Waiting for the Lord

by Bob Gaudi

“I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His word I put my hope.”
–Psalm 130:5

I was reading through the Bible the other day, just cruising around and letting the Spirit take me where He wanted me to go. Perhaps you know the drill: pick a chapter in any book of the Bible, pick one or more verses to read, and let your search take you anywhere that seems right. Searching like this allows us see a lot of scripture that may or may not be on topic or otherwise related. My search on this particular day started with Psalm 130. I read through it and went back to verse 5. I was drawn to the phrase “I wait for the Lord…”—particularly the word “wait.” What is meant here by the word wait? That was my question.

This was the beginning of one of my ‘down the rabbit hole’ searches, if you are familiar with the term. These are enduring searches that can go on for a long time from verse to verse and book to book, pursuing the original thought or question. Often one can get off track from the original pursuit while learning a lot and finishing with even more questions. This, of course, promotes our spiritual growth.  

So what does it mean to wait for the Lord? One reason we wait for the Lord is because we asked in prayer for something we want and/or need. This can involve something for us or something for someone else. Either way, we ask and then wait for a response. The Lord is not required to adhere to our schedule nor our wants and ‘asks’, therefore waiting takes time. You know the drill—if you have ever prayed, you most likely had to wait for a response. Waiting for an answer requires patience (remember God’s schedule thing). Waiting also involves faith and trust in the Lord that He will respond and that response will be a positive answer. This is hard stuff, and unfortunately you cannot buy a pound of patience at the grocery store.  

The good news is that the Lord knows us. David says in Psalm 139:1, “O Lord, you have searched me and you know me.” He goes on to say in verses 2-5 that the Lord knows literally everything about us and all our ways, from our thoughts to our comings and goings. He keeps us under scrutiny. Thus since the Lord knows us that well—beyond intimately even—He most certainly is aware of what we want and, more importantly, He also knows what we need. They are not always one and the same. Our Father truly knows best and He will not fail in His provisions for us. David knew this and the theme of his trust and faith in the Lord is endemic throughout his psalms.  

There is more good news in waiting for the Lord: we can trust Him and have faith that He will provide. Again, what comes our way may not be what we want or expect. It may not be what we are hoping for, and it may not come to us in a timely manner, if at all. Ultimately though, God will provide. Rest assured of this and know for certain His plan will prevail. Accept that because you can’t change it. Be happy and find peace in knowing that God’s plan is for your best interest, always. You may question that when your world is turned upside down, but God’s plan is God’s plan. His will trumps all. See Isaiah 55:8-9 for a better understanding. God is always teaching us. Pay attention and make certain you are seeking Him and not your earthly desires. Learn, friends…learn and wait on the Lord! 

Thank You, Father for all You do in our lives and for knowing us as only You can. Help us to wait on You and to be patient in that waiting. Help us to trust in You always and provide us with the faith we need to grow in our love for You. Give us the strength and courage to live the life You want for us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.