I will always wait for my Lord, who is worthy of praise

” I sought the LORD, and He answered me,
And delivered me from all my fears ” (Psalm 34:4 NASB).

On one hand, humans are not creatures that enjoy the experience of waiting. On the other hand, this technological modern world, where every need and goal to be accomplished is one click away, does not afford us the opportunity to learn patience either. I supposed that there are many reasons for our distaste towards the idea of waiting, though two reasons come to mind right away, which are our own selfishness and our great desire for instant gratification. At the same time, I realize that despite the universality of our disdain for waiting and patience, I recognize that some people are more patient than others. On a personal note, I do not have what I call ‘natural patience’. When I was younger and stupider, the notion of waiting was repulsive and pointless. Nowadays, I consider myself a little wiser, thanks to my God, and have come to see the importance of waiting.

I am of the opinion that patiently enduring a horrible situation or waiting for something good to happen in life might not make much sense, apart from the will and direction of God. As a matter of fact, I believe that life makes no sense and has no true meaning without Jesus Christ. I am certain that He is the one that gives flavor to my life. I know that He is the one that gives purpose to anything that happens in my life, whether good or bad. So this is the foundation from which I now consider and see the importance of waiting because I know that when I am waiting, I am waiting for my Lord, and He is doing wonders in my life.

Lately, I have seen the refining work that God has designed for the waiting period. It is no wonder that James says “that the testing of faith produces endurance” (James 1:3 NASB). This testing of faith takes time, therefore, endurance- hupomonē in Greek, is required, and by the time, our trust in God has been tested, we are complete, lacking nothing (James 1:4). In other words, when we endure trials, tribulations and sufferings, God refines us and makes us more Christ-like, as pure gold. As we wait for the Lord, this refining process builds our spiritual character as well, as Romans 5:3-4 indicates. In addition, Peter lets us know that this godlike character is fundamental in living a fruitful and useful life in service to Christ Jesus (2 Peter 1:5-8). I get it; waiting is painful, distressing and discouraging, but there is beauty in the work that my Lord does. Most of the time, it is very hard to see that beauty, nonetheless, the beauty is there because the masterpiece is being completed by the Great Artist of all, no matter how it looks now. One day, I will praise my Master for His grand masterpiece when I see it completed. Until then, I will continue to wait for my LORD who’s worthy of praise!!!