A Time to Wait...

There are times in your life when the pressures of this world, which have been patiently hovering over your shoulders, settle in and take their desired position. All of a sudden, you feel the weight of those pressures build to the point where you can barely take it anymore. Perhaps the deadline for a decision you must make is closing in, and you have not yet received the direction you prayed for. Perhaps the bill collectors will not leave you alone, and you don't know how you are going to make ends meet this month. These pressures build, and anxiety, stress, and fear set in, robbing you of the peace that comes with knowing and trusting in God's word.

“Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act.” (Psalm 37:7a)

Trust that he will act in that quiet moment as you abide in him and patiently trust in him. Trust that he will meet all of your needs, though he doesn't promise to give you everything you want.

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)

The answers to our prayers do not always come as we imagine or hope they will. In a time of financial crisis, you may get a phone call to work overtime or an opportunity to take on a second job. Not nearly as exciting or effortless as winning the lottery, but the need has been provided for. Perhaps your children need new shoes for the school year, and an old friend calls with a bag of shoes and clothes that her children have outgrown. Not the latest, coolest styles, but the need has been provided for... along with an unseen need of gratitude and humility.

Sometimes the actual need is not what we see at all. For example, the strain in your finances may be a consequence of living irresponsibly. The Lord knows that your actual need is to feel that pain for a bit to change your lifestyle. The need is more about clarity and change, than it is about getting more money. The good news is that through this difficult learning period, he is with you. He won't let you drown, and he will continue to provide for your needs. Through it all, he is building your faith in him and strengthening your relationship with him.

God has perfect timing; he is never late and never early, he is always right on time. He will never deny us the things we need. It will take patience and a lot of faith, but it's always worth the wait.