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WAITING THROUGH DELAYS

The third phase of faith is delay. But why? If God gives a dream, and you decide to pursue it, why is there a delay in seeing that dream fulfilled? As Pastor Rick said, “God wants to work on you, before he works on the project.”Today’s Scripture gives us insight for the waiting period.

Psalm 13 is a lament. Laments are cries for help or complaints. In Psalm 13, the psalmist has been waiting on something for a long time. Aside from a reference to enemies and foes (v.4), we’re not told what the problem was. But through this prayer, we’re shown that complaining to God is not only okay, it’s part of turning to God in faith.

In verses 1 and 2 the psalmist asks without fear, “how long?” It’s sometimes hard to ask God such a direct question. It seems irreverent or confrontational. Yet Scripture shows that God welcomes raw feelings and honest questions.

Verses 3 and 4 include a specific request: “Look on me and answer.” We also see the psalmist’s fears if God doesn’t answer: “I will sleep in death.” Have you held back from naming your fears before God?

The psalm ends with a declaration of trust in verses 5 and 6. The psalmist reminds himself that God is the source of unfailing love and salvation. Even while experiencing delays to our dream, we can say: “I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me.”

In just a few verses the psalmist moves from raw emotions, to expressing specific requests, to naming fears, and finally to a declaration of faith.

There’s no doubt that waiting on God’s timing can be hard, even frustrating. Yet, God is the source of unfailing love and salvation. In God’s timing, your dream will be fulfilled. In the meantime, allow the Spirit to work in you as you say both, “how long?” and “I will trust in your unfailing love.”

Reflection

How do you handle the “waiting rooms” of life? What’s your typical behavior when you’re waiting on God? (Be honest with yourself.)

Waiting for your dream will teach you to trust God and his timing. How have you seen this to be true in your life?

God inspired Scripture, including this lament. How does this affect your view of God?

Prayer

Dear God, thank you for listening to my pleas, complaints, and fears. How long will it take until [name something you are waiting for]? I trust in your unfailing love, Lord. You are the source of my salvation. Amen.