by By David Jeremiah
My soul also is greatly troubled; but You, O Lord—how long?
Psalm 6:3
In pre-modern days, waiting was normal. It took months for mail and missives to be carried by ship. It took weeks to travel long distances by horse or carriage. It took days, weeks, and months to wait on the outcome of a serious disease. Then came motors, electricity, telegraphs, telephones, radios, televisions—with each advancement in technology our patience has diminished. Today, when we can send a message around the world in seconds, we can hardly abide waiting at all.
But in God’s spiritual economy, waiting is sometimes part of His plan. We have to remember: God doesn’t need to delay His answers or actions at all. Sometimes He has His reasons. The psalmists often prayed, “How long, O Lord?” (Psalm 13) when they found themselves in anguish or trouble. Yet in balanced amounts came this exhortation: “Wait on the Lord” (Psalm 27:14; 37:9, 34). So even in the days when waiting was the norm, sometimes God’s people grew impatient. Then they were reminded, “Wait on the Lord.”
If you feel you are becoming impatient during a trial, remember you are not alone. God is with you and His timing is perfect. And while you are waiting, remember to commit your way to Him and to trust Him for the answer (Psalm 37:5).
Teach us, O Lord, the discipline of patience, for to wait is often harder than to work.
Peter Marshall