By: John Kerr
Growing up in and around Glasgow during my teens, I had to rely on the trains or the buses to get around. British Rail was notorious for being late! In fact, sometimes trains were so late that they were early for the next arrival. Many times, I saw a train arrive at my platform while another train appeared not far behind it waiting at the last signal before the station. And the buses weren’t much better. At the bus stop the Scots knew how to queue and while waiting for a tardy bus, one could learn the life story of a fellow passenger! Then out of nowhere three buses would arrive at the stop. Waiting was often a part of getting anywhere. Nobody likes to have to wait; time is precious.
In the spiritual realm, we are often called upon to wait. As a pastor I spent many long hours with church members in hospital rooms and chapels while loved ones were going through difficult times. I will not forget one of our senior saints asking me to be with her as her husband passed away, waiting as he took his last breath. There are many reasons why we need to wait, most of which we can’t see at the time but often how thankful we are when we realize that waiting, although difficult, was the best thing for us.
Waiting, especially on the Lord, is a popular picture throughout the Bible. Especially in the Psalms, the Psalmists use waiting as a spiritual principle. I have picked out three benefits one can find from waiting.
First, we recognize God’s sovereignty in our lives.
There is a tendency among God’s people to want to be in control of their own lives, but it is God who has given us life and breath and it is God who provides for our needs. David said “none who wait for you shall be put to shame (Ps. 25:3.)” Throughout the Psalms God will care for His own but at His time. Therefore, we must learn to wait upon Him.
Secondly, waiting is a rich spiritual discipline.
Do you take time daily to be quiet before God? Do you take time to read God’s Word and allow it to refresh your soul? There is so much noise in our world today and your smart phone can be contributing to it. Have you watched how so many people of all ages seem to have a cell phone permanently attached to their hand? Noise! “Be still before the LORD and wait patiently (Ps. 37:7). “For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him (Ps. 62:5).”
Thirdly, waiting renews your strength.
In every athletic pursuit an athlete learns that rest is almost as important as physical exercise because without rest the muscles will not grow properly. Waiting is spiritual rest that helps strengthen you in this spiritual race. Isaiah said, “they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint (Isa. 40:31).”
Throughout the Scripture waiting upon God is an important spiritual discipline. Even Jesus while in the garden that final time implored his disciples to watch and pray. While we can laugh at having to wait for a bus, waiting on God is a vital spiritual discipline that will strengthen us and bring us joy.
