Waiting and Waiting

Yesterday morning I sat down at the table and opened my laptop looking forward to getting some work done. (I’m writing my next book). After a while our dog, Jack, sits near and lets out a little whine to get my attention. I knew what he wanted, but answered with, “It’s not time, Jack.” He was letting me know that he wanted to go out for his mid-morning walk. He just sat and stared. “It’s too early, Jack. Just wait.” He was waiting, never taking his eyes off me. I could feel the stare. I was tapping away on my keyboard, glancing at him every now and again, those eyes, beautiful brown, tender eyes, unblinking, waiting for me. He knew I would finally get up and take him out. He didn’t know when so he just sat near in my presence and waited. You know what I did, don’t you? Yes, I got up, told him he’s a good boy, and said, “let’s go.” He was ready! Tail up, trotting down the hall standing still as I slipped his harness on. We had a most enjoyable walk together.

You may have guessed what I was thinking as I walked along with Jack. Waiting on God can be one of two experiences: we can sit in worry and frustration, or we can sit in trust knowing He will move when He’s ready, and when He does, it will be perfect timing. I love the verse in Lamentations 3:25, The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him (ESV). It touched me warmly when my dog waited in trust, knowing I would get up and take him out. He knew when we did go, it would be great. If I can feel that way toward my dog, oh! how much more does the heart of our Heavenly Father spill over in love and pleasure of us when we wait before Him in complete trust, believing in His timing, knowing beyond doubt that all will be well.

Many of you reading this will be waiting on God this very moment, hoping for some particular something today. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you put the worry away. Instead, enjoy the beauty of waiting in His presence. Merely waiting in itself can be anxiety filled, but waiting before Him and with Him can be delightful. Let the moments fill you with trust and inner peace. Bask in His love for you, letting trust grow, because then you will know, in His perfect timing, and in the beauty of His love for you, He will lead you on and be with you ever step of the way.