Doorkeeper: Dwelling in the Presence of GodНамуна

“Those who wait upon the Lord, they will find their strength be restored.” - CXMMXNS, Doorkeeper

Waiting is the Worst.

Perhaps you were expecting to read something more elegant or uplifting today to start out your time with Jesus - but alas, here we are.

Do you remember being a kid and waiting in line for the rollercoaster? It was always the longest wait and by the time you got to the front, you were probably hungry or thinking about the next ride ahead. Nevertheless, you got on the ride and had the BEST time - just for it to be over in less than a minute. Yet - as a kid, it was always worth the wait. And we would find ourselves hopping into the next line immediately after - forgetting about the wait that we just endured.

We can’t help but wonder when the Lord talks about “childlike faith” if this is part of it - the willingness to keep waiting for deep excitement. Yet, as we grow up, the waiting becomes more and more difficult. Traffic becomes part of our lives. Hardship enters our stories. Patience is tested day by day.

Does your strength feel all dried up? All gone - like there’s not enough left? If so - you’re in good company. We find ourselves feeling sleepy even as we write this line in the afternoon slump of an average Wednesday (our apologies if that’s too honest).

This line of “Doorkeeper” from CXMMXNS (pronounced “Commons”) comes directly from Isaiah 40:31 which says, “But those who wait on the LORD. Shall renew their strength”.

Isaiah 40 was written to encourage the Israelites, God’s people, in their time of captivity in Babylon. They were away from home, stripped from their way of life, and probably exhausted. Yet, Isaiah writes with encouragement from the Lord to put their trust in God’s timing and recognize that He is still for them - even in the waiting.

We’ll be the first to admit that we struggle deeply with patience and we often feel so weak in the waiting period. Our minds whisper the lie of “is God really there? Is He actually doing anything?” Verse 28 brings assurance as to why we can wait on the Lord and put our hope in Him with confidence, “The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary…”

Isn’t it comforting to know that even when we feel exhausted - our God is not? He isn’t phased by our human timelines and He does not grow weary in the waiting. And that truth is what renews our strength & reminds us that we are already being taken care of - no matter what we may feel.

What are you waiting on?

Financial blessing? A spouse? Children? Insurance claims to come through? A car? Rent money? Test results? College acceptance? A good job?

The list is endless - and so is the love & care that our God has for us. As you go out today, remember that He is in the process of renewing your strength and reminding you that He is not weary - He can take care of this moment for you.