The Bible often tells us to "wait upon the Lord" or "wait before the Lord". Do you ever wait before the Lord? What does that mean, anyway? If the Bible tells us to do it, we ought to be able to do it, right? We ought to at least know what it means. Most of us are too busy to wait for anything. We pace back and forth in front of the microwave. If we have good internet access, we stream entire seasons of television shows instead of waiting for the next week to view the next episode. We want to go fast, do things fast, solve problems fast. Our relationship with God, however, doesn’t work like that—we have to wait for Him. Today, let’s consider what David the psalmist said about waiting:
I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken. (Psalm 62:1-2)
This passage is translated in a number of different ways. This version, the New Living Translation, tells us that the psalmist waits "quietly". The Contemporary English Version says that he waits "calmly". The Good News Version says he waits "patiently". Do you ever wait before the Lord at all? Why should we have to wait before Him, anyway? The psalmist answers this question in today's passage. He says he waits because, "my victory comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken." Most of us acknowledge God in our lives, but our hearts are tempted to believe that our victories come from our own hard work, skill, and dedication...but it isn't true. God - and only God - is our salvation, hiding place, and protection. We want to run ahead of Him and get things done but He says, "Wait for me. I'll do what needs to be done in My own time."
Are you struggling today with the need to get things done, maybe something quite particular? Let me encourage you to do what the psalmist says. Take time to wait before the Lord. Wait quietly, not telling God what you want but listening. Wait calmly, refusing to give in to your impatience. Wait patiently, hopefully, lovingly, expectantly. Wait for Him. God doesn't want to follow you through this life. He wants you to follow Him...and that's such very Good News!
“When the bottom falls out and disappointments come, you will learn what you believe, what you love, and what you treasure.”