3 Ways to Wait

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It felt like one of “those” weekends. At every turn another text or call.

Your poppa’s sick, your nephew’s hurt, your Dad’s been in a car accident. Hours from home I ached to be near my family. My mind raced for a way to fix things, or at least make them better. But the faster my thoughts ran the surer my steps became – there is no quick fix for these problems. We’ll just have to wait.

Wait for healing. Wait for answers. Wait for God’s plan to unfold.

Waiting, on its best days, strengthens, but on every other day it just plain stinks. So, as I busied my hands hoping it’d busy my brain as well, God showed me a few ways to wait. Some branches to bring forth peace while we wait for the Son to break through, and I want to share them with you.

1. Praise

While I laid out my laundry across the bed, I lifted my voice with a song. I didn’t know what else to do. My thoughts drifted to my grandparent’s house and I pictured my grandfather sick in bed. A tear ran down my cheek and a song burst forth from my heart, “Bless the Lord oh my soul!” By the end of the song my voice cracked and tears flowed, but I believe my soul really did bless the Lord. And in turn, the Lord blessed me.

Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.” Psalm 103:1 (KJV)

2. Pray

It almost felt like I’d take two steps then fall to my knees. All weekend long I fell down next to my bed or in the middle of the floor as fear and worst-case things attacked my peace. When the load got too heavy (and it did a few times) I surrendered. I didn’t surrender myself to the burdens, but instead surrendered the burdens to my Savior. And each time He faithfully took them.

Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.” Psalm 55:22 (NIV)

3. Pursue God

Amidst the chaos inside, I stilled my surroundings with obedience. I resumed my daily duties and did them as unto the Lord. Laundry to fold. Dishes to wash. Meals to cook. People to love. As I pursued His will one minute at a time, I drew closer to His presence and found His strength – in the little things, the ordinary ways of obedience.

Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people.” Ephesians 6:7 (NIV)

We’re still waiting for God to give answers in some of these situations. And I’m still clinging to these three branches of peace in the uncertainty. So far, they’ve settled my soul and sustained me through the hours and days without answers. I pray you find peace, too, if you’re in a time of waiting. But I’ve learned sometimes it won’t fall in your lap. Sometimes we have to pursue peace. And when we’re waiting, we have the time.

Are you waiting on something today? How has God sustained you? Leave a comment and share your story or a verse that you hold dear.

 

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14 Comments

  1. Hi Katy- Thank you so much for this post- I have been waiting for God to move in one particular area of our lives for so long- and this encouraged me today! 🙂

    1. Thank you so much for sharing, Susie. You’re a warrior to wait so long. I know God sees you, and I’m so thankful He used this place to encourage you. Great to hear from you!

  2. I love this post, Katie. You are right; Waiting does stink, but I do believe God using it to grow us and mold us to be more like him. You’ve inspired me to lift a song of praise during my period of waiting too. So blessed by your words today, friend.

    1. Abby, when I read your devotion in Encouragement for Today I thought how similar our situations were! Great to hear from you, friend!

  3. Waiting can be the most difficult thing often because I equate it with inactivity. I remind myself that even in waiting, God is always active. I was your neighbor this morning at #livefreeThursday. So very nice to “meet” you! Blessings!

    1. Joanne, what wise words. My husband reminded me of the verse when God says, “Never will I leave you. Never will I forsake you,” and how that means God isn’t just near – He’s active! So glad you stopped by!

  4. Oh my Katy, if God isn’t speaking to me right now through you I don’t know who is !!!! My brother is severely sick and is in the hospital . We are waiting on lab results from mayo clinic and Ochsners. He has been sick for abt a month now and we still don’t know exactly what is wrong . It’s so hard for me to keep my mind focused on my work or things at home . Please pray for my brothers healing .

    1. Andrea, I’m so sorry to hear about your brother. I am praying for him and for your family. And I love how God allows our hearts to stay connected!

  5. Perfect timing. As we were taking my son to seek medical care. Literally driving from one side of the state to practically the other. My son was in a very serious state. Stress, frustration, fatigue, fear and hopelessness were fighting for space in our minds. We broke out in song.
    This is a great post. Thank you. I’m going to practice this today. One day at a time.

    1. “One day at a time” – wise words, Brenda. I pray your wait does not last long, and I’m so thankful God encouraged you today. I smile when I think of that car filled with a song. Beautiful!

  6. Katy,
    I love reading your posts! It is evident you are allowing The Lord to guide your words! Thank you for blessing me today!!
    Love you!
    Kasey:)

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