Wait on the Lord

            But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength: They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. (Isa 40:31)

One of my favorite Dr. Seuss books is Oh, the Places You’ll Go! Dr. Seuss always has some big ideas in his books not only for children but also for grownups. In this book, he tells us that it is all too often that we will have setbacks in life. He calls our low point in life the “slump.” “Un-slumping yourself is not easily done.” To make matters worse, Dr. Seuss warns, making choices at this time will be difficult and waiting for an opportunity is not easy.

Don’t we all have times when things are going south and we are hitting rock bottom? We try to remain calm, to stay upbeat and think positive. But, how do we un-slump? Turn to the Bible and review our favorite verses. Pray for courage, strength and wisdom. Dear Lord, please show me the light. And He will. “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength.”

Waiting is a process and a trial. Fear makes waiting unbearable. Fear of the unknown can weaken our faith and spirit. Imagine the fear when the Israelites faced the expanse of water in front of them, and heard the approaching Egyptian soldiers at the same time. Panic didn’t do any good. Then, Moses said, “Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today” (Ex 14:13). To wait on our Lord, we have to stand still and stay calm. Acknowledge Him, and let Him take over to decide what is best. He will accomplish things for us. It may not be immediate, but we just have to wait and see.

When we wait on the Lord, we have hope. Afflictions in life can easily cripple us if we lose hope. Hope will sustain us during the waiting period. We don’t merely wait for an opportunity as if it’s all by chance. All opportunities and turning points are provided by Him.

Oh, the places we will go! God has promised us that we shall mount up with wings like eagles, and run and not be weary.

 

            Question for Reflection:

Whether or not you are going through a difficult period in life right now, have you slowed your heart down to ponder upon God’s words and to wait on the Lord?