What to Do While You Wait

Waiting isn’t much fun for most of us. We don’t like to wait in line, in traffic, or for dinner. Yet waiting is a part of life, and it’s especially a part of our Christian journey. The waiting period is an opportunity for God to stretch our faith in Him. It’s also an opportunity for us to learn the value of perseverance. Waiting isn’t a passive process; rather, it’s an active part of our faith. How are we to wait on the Lord?

Wait Courageously (Psalm 27:4)
It takes courage to wait on the Lord because we stand firm in our faith even though the circumstances rise up against us. We walk by faith and not by sight; therefore, it’s our courage to stand for what we believe instead of giving up.

Wait Patiently (Psalm 37:7)
Waiting helps us develop our patience. Instead of being filled with anxious thoughts, we choose to be calm and trust in God’s perfect timing. As we mature in the Lord, our confidence in His answered prayers helps us patiently wait.

Wait Expectantly (Psalm 37:9)
We aren’t waiting for nothing—we have the hope through the gift of the Holy Spirit. Our expectation is that God is working things out even though we can’t see the evidence of it. We aren’t “wishing” for something to happen. Instead, we know that God is going to do His great work.

Wait Quietly (Lamentations 3:26)
Instead of rambling on with doubts, we are quietly finding ourselves in the secret places of prayer, meditation, and reflection. Sometimes we need to move away from the loud clatter of the TV, internet, or people. Our quiet times with God’s word are precious moments in our time of waiting.