Learning to Wait Patiently

After a long time of contemplating, I finally decided to start a blog. So often God teaches me in the little moments and I want to have a place where I recognize those moments and share them with the world. I hope if you’ve found yourself here that something will encourage you.

So what has God been teaching me most recently?

“Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act…” Psalm 37:7

Being Still….

We live in a world that’s fast-paced. Everything is at our fingertips and we don’t have to wait for much. As I’ve gotten older my planner tends to fill up more. Isn’t that always the case? This current season of my life is marked by juggling multiple jobs, ministry and grad school. Today I had a special set aside time for coffee with a new friend. As we discussed our planning for the spring semester and all the upcoming life events, it was clear that life doesn’t ever slow down for anyone without direct intention. This season is a time of preparation, but after the classes end that time will quickly be filled with something else. The past few weeks the Lord has really put on my heart that I need to slow down. I have to intentionally create pockets of time to dwell in His presence. I need to learn to rest in Him. This a lifetime discipline.

Waiting Patiently…

This seems to be a lesson I am always learning. This week as I studied Nehemiah 2 I was struck by his willingness to wait. The truth is we are all waiting for something. For Nehemiah, he was waiting for an appointed time to make his request to the king. He waited for God to move before he moved. He trusted God enough to wait on him instead of running ahead. I can’t help but think of the many ways I so often am running ahead. I want to be like Nehemiah, patiently waiting for the Lord to act.

Along with this I’m learning to be content and already Satan is attacking. The past few weeks have been a true battle. The more I try to learn contentment, the more Satan strikes. He plays on my fears and my pride, and manipulates situations around me setting up traps for me to fall. That’s his way. Deception is his aim. I realized today that he’s doing his best to defuse godly relationships in my life. This is something to recognize and fight against! Sometimes when spiritual warfare abounds I want to isolate myself. Bad idea. Today I saw a friend I had not seen in a long time. He has a way of reading people. Having no idea what was going on, he simply reminded me to surround myself with community especially during hard times. I have no doubt the Lord gave him those words because it was something I needed to hear. I want to protect the relationships God has given me. I want to treasure them! I want to be content the friendships the Lord has blessed me with and finally let go of the ones that have faded, despite my holding on. I’m so thankful that through all of this the Lord reminds me of His unfailing love! There are things I desire that I often pray for and I hope to see them fulfilled in God’s time. I’ve learned that if the Lord never chooses to bless me with those particular gifts, He is still good. His plans for me are good. I’m praying for these things dear to my heart and trusting God in the process. I’m learning to wait on the Lord to move before I move. I’m learning to be content in all things (Philippians 4:12) and to be still in His presence as I wait. No matter what season of life you find yourselves in rest, waiting and contentment will be part of your journey again.

I love this quote from John Piper: