COVID-19 Novel Encouragement Sample

Just Wait

“Just wait”… those are words I don't like to hear. How about you?  

Just wait, the bus will be here before you know it … can't we catch a cab instead?

Just wait, there are fifty people ahead of you for these face masks … what do you mean they called ahead?!

Just wait, the doctor will be right with you … I hope this isn't serious.

Just wait inside, this virus hasn't run its course … but, I was supposed to …

Just wait ...

How are you doing with this waiting? If you're like me, you don't appreciate someone else telling you where you should go and when. You want to be free to be with friends, and to eat where you want, go to the store, or just walk around without a mask!

How are you handling this waiting; this enforced idleness that this virus has brought on all of us? 

A great time to get caught up on reading, right? But what do I read!?

The internet is open, so I can search all I want! How many cat videos can I watch?  Or, am I more tempted to explore those sites that are NOT very good for my soul?

Am I spending most of my time obsessing over the latest news on the virus? 
Or am I using this as a great time for personal renewal, finding richness in God's Word?

David, in the Bible, is a great example of someone who had to wait. He was told by God that he was going to be king, but he had to wait until Saul was gone. He went from being Saul's trusted general to a target of his jealous rage, and then part of an exiled enemy. Through it all, he learned to wait patiently on his God who was faithful, who kept His promises, who saw him through the decades until he was able to be crowned king! David reflects on what it means to wait on God in Psalm 25.

To You, O LORD, I lift up my soul.  O my God, in You I trust; let me not be put to shame; let not my enemies exult over me. Indeed, none who wait for You shall be put to shame; they shall be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous. Make me to know Your ways, O LORD; teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; for You I wait all the day long. Psalm 25:1-5

He declares his trust in God, even as he waits. 

As a warrior, David had many enemies, so he asks God first to deliver him.  This is David's God of salvation, victor over his enemies, and deliverer, even over his own sin.

Then David knows that he will not be put to shame. His desire is to know God's ways, to be personally and deeply taught in God's truth, even as he waits.

Remember Your mercy, O LORD, and Your steadfast love, for they have been from of old. Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to Your steadfast love remember me, for the sake of Your goodness, O LORD! Good and upright is the LORD; therefore He instructs sinners in the way. He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble His way. All the paths of the LORD are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep His covenant and His testimonies. Psalm 25:6-10

David recalls God's faithfulness to His people (of old), and to him personally.  He calls on God's own goodness and the fact that God does teach those with humble hearts how to live and how to love Him in return.

For your name's sake, O LORD, pardon my guilt, for it is great. Who is the man who fears the LORD? Him will He instruct in the way that he should choose. His soul shall abide in well-being, and his offspring shall inherit the land. The friendship of the LORD is for those who fear Him, and He makes known to them His covenant. Psalm 25:11-14

David knows that honest awe and fear of the LORD is the foundation of a life lived in God's favor.  Friendship flows from that respect that only God deserves, for God has forgiven David's sin, and granted him salvation.  God also chose to lead David to love and friendship.

My eyes are ever toward the LORD, for He will pluck my feet out of the net. Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. The troubles of my heart are enlarged; bring me out of my distresses. Consider my affliction and my trouble, and forgive all my sins. Consider how many are my foes, and with what violent hatred they hate me. Oh, guard my soul, and deliver me! Let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you. Psalm 25:15-20

As David is lonely and afflicted, and as his heart doubts and races with all the troubles he faces, he knows that it is God who guards his soul.  It is God alone who can bring him to a place of comfort, and safety.  God brings true rest, and peace for David's soul.

May integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for you. Redeem Israel, O God, out of all their troubles. Psalm 25:21-22 (Emphasis added)

As David waits on the One who has done so much for him, he believes he will live in integrity and truth, in the power of God's love and His very presence. 

Now, how can I wait more patiently? 

 -Knowing I will not be put to shame if I wait for God.
-Enjoying His very presence as I spend time with Him and as I am taught by His Word.
-Allowing the LORD to soothe my troubled heart, and to give me rest and refuge.
-Guiding me in ways that honor God, ways of truth and righteousness.
-Understanding the deep friendship that God desires to have with me!

Prayer for the day: Lord, give me trust in You, in Your very Presence right now. As I am forced to wait during this time, give me the grace to listen, to learn and to grow in Your love.

By RS in Hong Kong