Four Ways to Wait on God

photo by RBJ

Most of us don’t like to wait. Yet even with our latest technology advances, experts say we spend an average of two years of our lives waiting for something: red lights, traffic backups, doctor’s appointments, grocery lines, income tax refunds, and insurance checks.

We wait for babies to be born, boring sermons to end, houses to sell, and kids to grow up. We usually prefer fast-food, instant communication (facebook), immediate profits, and magical answers to difficult questions.

Waiting on God, however, gives us new perspective. How intensely are we to wait? Psalms 130:5-6 says, “more than they that watch for the morning.” We are to wait like night guards who never slack their attention, but who are eager for dawn to emerge, when the long, tiring, stretch of darkness has evaporated.

Contrary to what some believe, waiting is active, not passive. Waiting gives time to renew our energies. Waiting on God brings wisdom on how to use that inner strength positively.

I’ve touched on this subject earlier, but we need the reminders often! These are by no means exhaustive, but here are four ways to wait on God:

1. Greet the Lord each morning with praise and thanksgiving. Read His Word, jotting down specific promises and instructions.
2. Maintain an attitude of prayer, communing with God throughout the day. (“Pray continually” 1 Thessalonians 5:17 NIV).
3. Give adequate time for making decisions. Wait for God’s go-ahead.
4. Use times of stress, illness, or sorrow as reminders to learn–and listen to God.

Because of the stress and overload we experience, Dr Richard Swenson says we all need more “margin.” “Margin,” he says, “is the amount allowed beyond that which is needed.” (Richard A. Swenson, M.D., Margin, How to Create the Emotional, Physical, Financial, & Time Reserves You Need (Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 1992, 2004). 

Beginning each morning by waiting on the Lord is a good way to insure the marginal reserves our physical and spiritual bodies will need throughout the day.

What about you? When is it most difficult for you to wait? What have you learned by waiting on God? Please share with us in the comments below. You will not be hounded, prodded, or automatically added to my mailing list if you do so. Feel free to email this blog to someone or to repost on social media, using  the buttons below. If you want to repost any of my blogs on your own blog or website, please contact me for permission first.

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