Waiting...

Waiting is something that is hard for most people, myself included.  How much time do we spend waiting in lines, waiting on people, and even waiting on an answer from God?  A lot.  Lately, I've been thinking about how I've been spending those waiting periods.  Have I been making the most of that time or have I been a complainer who has a negative attitude?  I know how I'd like to spend that time, that's for sure!

Here are some Bible verses that I've found that relate to waiting:

• "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."  Psalms 27:14
• "Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him;"  Psalms 37:7
• "I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope."  Psalms 130:5
• "Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion.  For the Lord is a God of justice.  Blessed are all who wait for him!"  Isaiah 30:18
• "And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised."  Hebrews 6:15

Just a few thoughts and phrases coming from those verses-

We hear the importance of being strong and taking heart.  Being bold before the Lord and trusting that He will reveal His perfect plans for us in due time.  Also, being still and patient.  (In those times, I believe we learn the most.)  Hoping in God's word and basking in it.  God's graciousness, compassion, and justice and how blessed we are to know and love Him!  And lastly, the great promise that was granted to Abraham and how he demonstrated patience in his life. 

I have also been learning that waiting times provide wonderful opportunities to develop good character.  Some examples include patience; a deeper sensitivity to the needs of those around you; a calmer spirit when you take the time to slow down; and a peace that comes from knowing that God sees it all, knows it all, and has it all under control!  So the next time that you're waiting, take a deep breath and ask God to help you make the most of your time by using it for Him!  You never know what might happen.