The Agony and Reward of Waiting

I have been in agony these past months waiting for things to happen and things to come. Waiting for the election results would add to the affliction had I not read this verse: "I wait for the Lord, I expectantly wait, and in His Word do I hope" (Psalm 130:5). 

Waiting is often an unpleasant experience, whether it's waiting to possess that dream house, purchasing a promo fare for an overseas trip, reading the editor's feedback, or receiving a royalty check. In the past, I've been tempted to fret, doubt God, and throw the towel. But God pursues me continually and encourages me not to give up. He also teaches me how to wait.

This verse gives a hint. While waiting, wait expectantly for the best. Wait eagerly. It helps not to dwell on the negative but to think of the positive side. "Expectant" is also a word we use to refer to someone who is "pregnant". Pregnancy normally lasts for nine months. It can't be rushed because the baby in the womb has to go through normal stages of development. That takes time. 

So I accept that there is a necessary waiting period that will eventually lead to the desired results. As I wait, I put my hope in God's Word because God's Word represents His promise which He will fulfill. God will not lie or give false hopes. And God knows how to compensate us for the times we have waited expectantly and relied on Him completely. 

"O Israel, hope in the Lord! For with the Lord there is mercy and loving-kindness, and with Him is plenteous redemption" (Psalm 130:7). 

How Does Your Future Look Like?

My husband turned a year older yesterday. Before his special day was over, he blurted out what seemed to be a profound realization, "In a few years, I will be a senior citizen!" I didn't react as dramatically because I already realized that fact even before he did, or at least before he made his thoughts public. I, too, have been  doing the countdown and I think many of my friends are doing the same. Sometimes, the thought of turning older dampens our spirit. Turning older suggests weaker knees and more wrinkles and white hair. Being a senior citizen could also mean losing our capacity and chance to earn bigger. Right?

Could be, but turning older does not necessarily mean we won't have a good future anymore. It doesn't mean that God hasn't planned for our future or that He would have no more good stuff for us by that time. God has good plans for us in every stage of our lives, whether we are four, fourteen, forty, or even eighty. The Psalmist wrote, "Many, O Lord my God, are the wonderful works which You have done, and Your thoughts toward us; no one can compare with You! If I should declare and speak of them, they are too many to be numbered" (Psalm 40:5). A loving Heavenly Father will never run out of surprises for His children. If we are willing to believe in His loving kindness, we will see the wonderful things He has in store for us in the future.