Wait ”“ it’s an odd sort of word. It’s also my One Word 2022. It brings to mind the thought of standing still, or in one place, while looking forward towards something expectantly.
It’s like nothing is being done while something is actually being done. It’s action and inaction all rolled into one.
“So the Lord must wait for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the Lord is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for his help.” (Isaiah 30:18, NLT)
God’s grace and mercy are given to those who do not deserve it. There are times God waits on us to return to Him from our sin, from our rebellion. He waits until the right time to pour out His favor.
He waits for our hearts to be in the place where we will turn towards Him, receive His love and compassion, and respond to Him.
“God keeps no one waiting unless He sees that it is good for him to wait.”
(C.S. Lewis)
He desires to bless His children, but must also act in accordance with His justice for He is a just God. In our rebellion, we are not in a frame of mind to see His goodness in our lives.
At the same time, God also blesses those who wait for His help. We are wise to not rush ahead and solve our own problems. When we see our own inability and turn to God, He responds in faithfulness to our cries for His help.
When we wait,
we are blessed with His help,
as we rely on His power and goodness.
We don’t look forward to, nor enjoy, difficulties. Paris Renae encourages us with these words, “Don’t lose touch. Hold on tight. Through the valleys He goes before us.” You will want to read her post, “Don’t Lose Touch“.
Come, sit a spell. Bring your coffee, your posts, and your thoughts. If you link up, kindly visit those who have drawn up a seat around you.
Today I may be joining …
Joanne, what a great way to describe waiting: “action and inaction all rolled into one.” And I love the C.S. Lewis quote … another example of how God always gives us what we need. Hugs, friend!
The word is teaching more than I ever could have expected 🙂
Joanne, your thoughts here truly expound your tiny word, “wait”. I often think of it the same way, as action and inaction all rolled into one. But I rarely remember God waits too. The verse in Isaiah is so good to remind us of His patient waiting for us, not to punish, but to bless. Amazing! Imagine if we waited expectantly for His blessing!
May we wait expectantly!
When it seems like nothing is being done when it actually is–what an apt way to express waiting. In my younger days I used to wonder why it sometimes seemed like God wasn’t doing anything in answer to my prayers and needs. Now I know He is–we just don’t always see it. He’s always faithful.
Barbara, that is so true. Even when it seems like He is not moving into action, He is. He is always, always faithful.
The Lord calls us to wait upon Him, but it is kind of startling to recall He is waiting on us. Thanks for this encouragement today, Joanne.
His unending patience- a love so enduring- what a Savior!
What a great quote from Lewis, and I love what you said about waiting. “It’s like nothing is being done while something is actually being done. It’s action and inaction all rolled into one.”
I love pondering his attributes, remembering that each one is colored by all the others! Justice tinged with love, mercy, wisdom, omniscience, and grace can’t go wrong!
Joanne, enjoyed this message as you brought new insight to the word, “wait.” I especially liked how you mention times the Lord is waiting on us to return to Him or repent of our rebellion. We usually make this all about us, don’t we? How hard it is to wait on the Lord to work on our behalf or to answer a prayer. But it’s not always about me, it’s about the one who said, “Follow Me.”
And I’ve learned that God’s timing really is perfect, it’s always for my good and His glory.
Amen Ms. Joanne. I find that God waits on me to get right much more than I wait on God. Well said ma’am.
Me too, J.D.
I love this post on waiting! The C.S. Lewis quote – and these words you wrote: “In our rebellion, we are not in a frame of mind to see His goodness in our lives.” – Learning how to live with eyes on God in the wait of a prayer sent out has been one of the most valuable lessons in my life! You’ve given us such a good word, Joanne! ~ Maryleigh
Joanne,
Your words about our own inability and God’s faithfulness were meant for me today. Thank you!
Blessings,
Tammy
Waiting is the hardest thing for us humans to do Joanne.
I often think how patient God is who seems to do a lot of waiting on us too!
Blessings, Jennifer
Joanne, wait is my word this year too! Actually two – wait and explore and that I have been doing. I love that waiting is good for us and that God blesses those who wait faithfully.