Wait Quietly
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Lamentations 3:25-26
The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul that seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.
My study/office is situated in a corner of our garage. It is very comfortable and “fully wired for sound” as they say. This space is one of the reasons we decided we really wanted to buy this house. My husband immediately said he wanted me to have this room as my own, which I consider a tremendous gift. I need time apart, away from television, music, conversation and the rest of the world sometimes.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m a very social person. I thrive in a crowd, and enjoy overhearing snippets of conversations, choosing which ones to join and which ones not to touch with a ten-foot pole! I am a joyful and generous entertainer too. I am happiest when I have a few friends sitting on my deck, having been fed more than they should have eaten, and anticipating dessert, or celebrating on Christmas Eve, with friends of every make and model stopping by to eat and socialize, and even the non-Christians enjoy the fellowship and celebrate our friendships.
That’s probably much more than you even cared to know about me, but I’m setting the stage! You see, as much as I enjoy being with others, I need time alone. My office is decorated in an angel theme. I have angel border paper up with scripture verses on it, and I’ve hung pictures of angels. Hanging from window I face as I type is a sun catcher that says PRAY. I need to be surrounded by these angels and this reminder to pray if I am going to make it through any given day.
In our former home I didn’t have the luxury of a completely private place to pray and reflect, but I did have what I called my sacred space. I arose early and went to my favorite chair in the living room. Others I know have an end of the sofa in a den or other space where they can be comfortable, and alone in the quiet.
OK, I’ve been stalling with this confession: I am a lousy “waiter”! It’s true, I don’t like to wait. I don’t mind being in a line at the grocery store, because of course there are people there with whom I can strike up a conversation or simply “people watch” while I’m waiting! It’s the life stuff I don’t wait for well. I don’t do well at waiting on God to lead and guide and direct me. I spend way too much time and expend way too much energy trying to do things my way, in my time. I know this about myself. I freely, though shamefully, admit it! Yet, God and I are ever at odds with waiting.
I am so very grateful that he gives me so many chances to try it again, to come back to the starting point and let Him be in charge. I am so humbled that He loves me enough to keep at it with me. I am in awe of the vastness of a God who is big enough to do the same for each and every one of us on this earth! I can’t even wrap my head around that one! When I do wait quietly for Him, I am rewarded generously. When I wait and listen and pray, I discover more and more of God’s kindness and bounty.
My prayer today is that you find a quiet place to wait on God. And that you allow Him to be your guide, your comforter, and your friend.
Mary
