God's Waiting Room
Psalm 37
I hate waiting rooms. One of the reasons I hate to go to the doctor is because of the wait. It seems to me that they overbook appointments so that they do not have to wait for patients to arrive. When I take my car in to be serviced I would much rather leave it and return, than to wait for it. In this ministry there are frustrating times of waiting for the phone to ring, waiting to fill our mission trips or waiting on the finances to meet the day to day operating needs. Waiting is not something we enjoy, especially when we discover God has His own timetable. Waiting on people is hard, but it seems it is even more challenging to wait on God.
What are we to do while we are in God’s waiting room? Certainly, we need to wait expectantly for God to act or answer, but in Psalm 37, the writer prescribes seven practical waiting room activities that will help us as we wait for God. God’s waiting room is filled with blessings for those who will faithfully wait on Him.
1. Do not fret because of evil men. (v.1) It seems that evil people or difficult individuals who oppose me are frequent reasons for my prayers. If all is well I do not find myself laboring in prayer, but when opposition arises I hit the floor.2. Do not be envious of those who do wrong. (v.1) The word to us is that they will pass as the grass does. They are short lived in our lives. Oftentimes we see the prosperity and success of these people and we are confused as to why they seem to be so blessed and wish we were them, but God says not to do this.
3. While waiting, trust the Lord and do good.(v.3) Trusting is the opposite of worrying. Trust God that He has everything under control and sees exactly what you need in the situation to be obedient. I like the phrase, “do good.” It seems to be so all inclusive. What could happen if we would just trust and do good?
4. Delight yourself in the Lord. (v.4) Is He your delight? Does He often cause you to smile? Is He your major cause for delight? When you delight in Him, the word says that He will give you the desires of your heart. (v.4)
5. Commit your way to Him. (v.5) Abolish your own plans. Ask God to direct your desires and to make His plans to be your plans. When we do this the word says that He will make your righteousness seen by others.
6. Here is the hardest part. Be still and wait for Him.(v.7) Being still before the Lord is so difficult. We are people of action. But a relationship with God demands that we be still and wait. Most of the time He is not speaking in a loud boisterous way. He is known as the still small voice. Be quiet and wait; do not rush God.
7. Do not get angry. It will only lead to you doing evil.(v.8) Do not stoop to the practices of the opposers that you are praying about. This Psalm goes on to say that God will give you an inheritance, destroy the evil men, make you to walk and not stumble, bless, protect, and provide for your every need.
Are you in God’s Waiting Room? Go ahead and sign in at the desk. He is not overbooked or running late. He has promised to meet you at just the right time. Acknowledge His Lordship and lay aside your timetable. Be still and wait for Him.
