Waiting on God

Waiting on God

by Dena Yohe

“In the morning I lay my requests before you
    and wait expectantly”

(Psalm 5:3, NIV).

I don’t like to wait. Most people don’t. One Christmas season my childhood impatience was put to the test. When my parents were busy, I found my gifts tucked under their bed. I pulled back the holiday wrapping and peeked. On Christmas morning, things weren’t the same. No surprises for me. In the years to follow, I waited patiently and enjoyed the anticipation.

Are you tired of waiting? Growing impatient with God? You found your gift of writing, attended conferences, worked hard, faithfully submitted proposals, but with no results. Is this a waste of time? You’re ready to give up.

Dear friend, we need to give God our requests and hold onto anticipation for what he will do.

Wait on Him.

Wait. Expect something to happen, but in his timing, not ours. As writers, we need an attitude of hopefulness.

Answers to our expectant prayers could burst on the scene any day. Only God knows when, or if, this will happen. But with his help, we can release our tight grip on what we want and trust him.

Anticipation is like a seed, a tiny shred of hope growing in our hearts. When nurtured, that seed can produce a willingness to rest in God’s timing. If we keep our hearts open, surrendered to his will, we can wait with patience for his perfect plans to unfold.

Look to Jesus, dear writing friend. He who gives life and breath gives the ability to create . . . and to wait. Faithfulness to his call is what he asks for. The results are in his hands.

God knows your longings. He sees your heart. While you wait, hold on to a sense of expectancy for him to work.

“O Sovereign Lord! You made the heavens and earth by your strong hand and powerful arm. Nothing is too hard for you” (Jeremiah 32:17, NLT).

Almighty God, help us wait with faith and patience. Increase our hope and keep us firmly rooted in the truth of who you are—God of the impossible. We trust you with what you will do with our writing …  and with us. For the praise of your glory. Amen.