Wait on the Lord!

Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD. (Psalm 27:14 NIV)

Waiting is not something most of us enjoy. The very mention of the word "wait" may remind us of how much we dislike it and how poor we are at doing it. We admire people who appear to be good at it and may marvel at David's calm disposition in this Psalm.

Before we label ourselves as hopelessly impatient and forever doomed to a life of restlessness, consider the basis for David's exhortation to wait on the Lord.

Before he says, "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord," he says ... "The LORD is my light and my salvation — whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life — of whom shall I be afraid? When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident." (Psalm 27:1-3)

He expresses his confidence in God's protection. He knew and acknowledged the source of his strength and salvation. He had been through battles and had seen the Lord rescue him. When you have experienced the light of the Lord and know of His salvation, it is easier to say, "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."

"One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock. Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD. Hear my voice when I call, O LORD; be merciful to me and answer me." (Psalm 27:4-7)

He expresses his contentment to be in God's presence. All he wanted was to be with the Lord. He knew that in the Lord's presence was safety. When you know the security of God's presence it is easier to say, "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."

"My heart says of you, 'Seek his face!' Your face, LORD, I will seek. Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, O God my Savior. Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me." (Psalm 27:8-10)

He states his commitment to seek the Lord. He verbalized his commitment to seek the Lord's face in his prayers. He made his requests for the Lord to respond to his prayer. He spoke his confidence in the Lord above all other people. When you have opened your heart to the Lord so openly and have seen those prayers answered, it is easier to say, "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."

He expresses his willingness to submit to the Lord. David had surrendered his life to the Lord and had given his heart to Him. He knew that the Lord had previously protected him and he knew the Lord would protect him in the future. When you have completely given your life ... your heart ... to the Lord it is easier to say, "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."

"Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."

These words are the result of a life devoted to the Lord.

When we dwell on God's protection, the peacefulness and pleasures we find in being in God's presence, our commitment to seek the Lord, and our willingness to submit to the Lord, waiting for the Lord might be easier. Waiting is more difficult and more unpleasant when these qualities are not present in our lives.

Are you in the midst of a period of waiting for the Lord to work in your life? Give Him your life and your heart. Trust in Him completely. Then, "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."