Waiting
Psalm 13:1-2 and Psalm 27:1, 13-14
Lately, it feels like everyone is ready to forget about how life-threatening this virus is. They just want to get back to normal. It is hard to maintain the intense stress of the past 10 or so weeks. Our lives have gone through tremendous changes. There is much to be concerned about. Many have died, many more have been terribly sick. Our efforts to reduce the illness have brought great economic and emotional hardship.
We all want it to be over, joining the psalmist who cried out, “How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I bear pain in my soul, and have sorrow in my heart all day long.” (Psalm 13:1-2)
Waiting is hard. We want to get back to our familiar routines. In our desire to return to the past, we are often willing to forfeit the future. But, life has changed and we are asked to wait at home until this fierce storm passes over.
It’s hard to sit quietly in solitude. But solitude is necessary to hear the Spirit of God speaking to our lives. So, use this time of isolation and separation as a time to intentionally wait quietly in the presence of God. This is a time when you can be still with a purpose, a time when you can intentionally be still and listen for the quiet, peaceful voice of the Spirit of God in your life. Wait on the Lord with faith and hope.
“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? I believe that I shall see 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 27:1, 13-14)
Greg Smith, Director of Legacy Ministry, First Baptist Decatur