Waiting on the Lord

Some quick thoughts to begin this week…

It seems like so many people in my life are waiting on the Lord for something – for a job, for health for a family member, for something financial to come through, for Mr. or Mrs. Right, to find our true calling, for hope in a desperate situation, for a straight up miracle, for peace that surpasses all understanding…

And let’s just say it. Waiting stinks. We want answers now. And in our idea of what perfect timing should look like. We are an instant gratification culture. We live in a land of instant conversation (texts & twitter), fast food, and on-demand TV. If we have to wait in a line at Starbucks for more than 5 minutes we grow impatient and irritated.

God doesn’t work like that, at least not 99% of the time. But His timing truly is best, even when we can’t see it.

I was reminded recently of the Israelites, wandering in the wilderness (I’ve been reading through the Bible and am in Deuteronomy right now). Time and time again God would work amazing miracles in their lives. If the miraculous delivery from the Egyptians wasn’t enough, there was the pillar of fire to guide them, manna from heaven to feed them, water from a rock to quench their thirst, etc. They had these incredible signs from God of His amazing provision. But before long, they’d grow impatient and make their demands of Moses and of God, not believing God would deliver on everything He had continuously promised them.

I don’t want to be like the Israelites. Even after God clearly shows up and does something amazing in life, it’s like we forget about it just two weeks later. We start to doubt again and go back asking for answers or a sign.

As I’ve said before, I love it when God works in themes. One of them right now is waiting and trusting. And in the midst of the waiting & trusting, all we can do is focus on the present, on the things that we know we need to do today…

The below verse and quote both popped up on the same day. I’m trying to take notice. I hope these may encourage you also.

“I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living! Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!” Psalm 27:13-14

“When you don’t know what to do, wait while I open the way before you. Trust that I know what I’m doing, and be ready to follow My lead,” -Jesus Calling, (November 4th)

Are you waiting on something? What is your favorite verse/passage or quote about waiting on the Lord? Please share it in the comments below.

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Relationships Take Work

We were meant to live life in community. It’s hard to deny that. It’s repeatedly talked about in the Bible and it is woven into the very fabric of our beings.

“Let us consider how to inspire each other to greater love & to righteous deeds, not forgetting to gather as a community, as some have forgotten, but encouraging each other, especially as the day of His return approaches.” Hebrews 10:24-45 (The Voice)

Unfortunately, fellowship and time spent investing in the lives of others is one of the first things that gets sacrificed when our lives get as busy as they generally do. In my last blog post, I talked about the need to Get Less Busy. We cram everything in so that there’s no space left for anything else – for the spontaneous opportunities that arrive and especially for quality time with loved ones.

Relationships take work. Dating relationships, relationships with spouses, with family, friends, co-workers. They all take effort & intentionality. If you don’t make the necessary time for them, they will suffer.

And it is a tragedy.

To be honest & transparent, I go through periods of wondering who my real friends are. Who are the ones who really care. I often feel like if I don’t initiate something then no one else will, because maybe they don’t really care in the first place. So I’ll withdraw & wait. (I’ll generally work through it, get over it, and try again… until the funk comes back again.) Just being honest here…

But recently I’ve come to decide that the biggest problem is that everyone is so daggum busy. (Is that how you spell that?) It’s not necessarily that they don’t care (though maybe some really don’t), it’s just that they aren’t making the time needed to keep a relationship going…

Here’s a great thought on the value of living in community:

“The word translated ‘church’ in English Bibles means literally ‘assembly of the called’; it implies that members have said ‘yes’ to God’s call in their lives. We assemble because we are called into being by God himself. Some people, for reasons only they know, choose to live their Christian faiths in isolation. When they do, they cut themselves off from the gifts, encouragement, & vitality of others. And perhaps, just as tragically, they deprive the church of the grace & life God has invested in them.” Note from The Voice New Testament, p. 343

So I’m on my own personal crusade right now to Get Less Busy, and to invest more in relationships. I’m trying at least. Will you join me?

Take time this week/month to clear your schedule. Invite someone to lunch, dinner, coffee. Pick up the phone. Send an email (or even better, a card).

What do you think? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Please leave a comment below.

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