It’s hard to stay holy while we wait.
It’s easier to be disappointed or embarrassed by our unanswered prayers.
Sometimes, we are even prone to jealousy when we see others who have that for which we so desperately long.
And the longer our longing goes unfulfilled, the more sparse hope becomes.
It seems more natural to complain than to express gratitude. And to persevere in yet another repetitive prayer seems pointless, at best. Painful at worst, serving as a reminder of being overlooked. Again.
It’s tempting to forget Father’s faithfulness in the waiting room, where the silence rings louder than God’s promises. And the lingering “not yet” seems more undeniable than His abiding presence.
Waiting can leave scars, identifying our woundedness as time stretches on and our desires remain unmet. Our emotions swirl and tangle against our faith, tempting us to neglect that Father notices our plight.
What once seemed so certain now leaves us questioning, “God, are You there?”
It is here that I need the reminder of Immanuel.
God is Lord of my waiting as assuredly as He is Lord of my salvation.
When I am brokenhearted, He is near, remaining close even when the promises seem far off.
When our prodigal children are wandering far from home, He remains present.
When the test results are less than encouraging, He is near.
When a spouse breaks covenant with us, He keeps His to a thousand generations.
When grief crushes our hearts, His Spirit hovers and breathes peace.
When loneliness and depression weigh heavy, He stoops to bear our burden, lightening the load.
And when we can no longer voice our deepest prayers, He still hears them through the silence of a broken soul.
Though we grow weary in the waiting, Father never does.
His timelessness supersedes my temporary, reminding me there is more to the story than meets these finite eyes. More is happening in the mix than my mind can grasp. Much more.
There are more hearts involved in this situation than just my own.
More salvation is in the works.
More prayers to receive answers than mine alone.
So. Much. More.
So while I wait, let me do so with the presence of Immanuel.
Let me extend welcoming arms to the prodigal as my Father extends mercy to me, even before they return home.
Let me find hope amid the most devastating news.
And invite joy to come alongside the sorrow.
Let me be a help in repairing relationships rather than a hindrance.
And above all, let me continue to lift my prayers before You and offer up my heart’s longings with honor and righteousness.
Grant me a humble heart and seeking eyes and feet that are quick to run toward the throne of grace.
And patience while I wait for the answer to come.
Though it tarries, may I wait expectantly.
Sure of Your love even when I am certain of nothing else.
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I would have lost heart, unless I had believed That I would see the goodness of the LORD In the land of the living. Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD! – Psalm 27:13-14
Such a lovely post, Diane! Eloquently written.