Joy For All SeasonsSample

Waiting. Who likes to wait? It seems like I have spent my entire life simply waiting for something … or for God to move on my behalf! How many ordinary days have dragged along when I had my heart and mind set on tomorrow? The truth of the matter is this … we all have to wait for something! And it is my personal choice whether I will wait well or wait poorly! Refuse to worry while you wait. Worrying is a waste of time, energy, and emotions. Worry is infamous for destroying a vast number of “todays.” The definition of prayer is not “worrying on my knees.” Don’t be negative while you wait. While you are waiting, throw away negativity like yesterday’s garbage. Don’t become bitter while you wait. Don’t mistakenly suppose that nothing will ever change for you. Bitterness always turns into selfish anger. Anger will change a fruitful life into a futile life. Don’t whine and complain while you wait. No one wants your verbal vomit spewed all over them and no one is interested in your impatient germs. Invest yourself in productive and healthy activities while you wait! Volunteer at a homeless shelter. Babysit for a young family. Take an elderly couple out to lunch. Go on missions trips. Invite people over for dinner and a game night. While you are waiting for your prayers to be answered, pray for someone else! Make a list of others who need your prayers and then pray for them every day. Perhaps you could let those people know you are praying for them. Write notes of encouragement and send Scriptures to them. Talk the language of hope! Hope should be the native tongue of someone who is waiting. Learn to speak it just like you would learn to speak a language before visiting a foreign country. The only language that should be spoken in the waiting room of life is the language of hope. Worship your way through the wait! Sing yourself to sleep and whistle while you work. Hum while you pray and keep a symphony of genuine joy stirring while you are waiting for God to complete His work on your behalf. The song of your heart should be at its loudest when you find yourself in the waiting room of life. Joyful Thought to Ponder: What does it mean to “wait well”?