Waiting Patiently For God

Teach me how to live, O LORD.

Lead me along the right path. . . .

Yet I am confident I will see the LORD’s goodness

while I am here in the land of the living.

Wait patiently for the LORD.

Be brave and courageous.

Yes, wait patiently for the LORD.

Psalm 27:11-14

David knew what it meant to be under pressure, surrounded by a vast army of enemies seeking his downfall. But even in those desperate times, David appealed to God for assistance with language that prepared his own soul for God’s pace. Although David certainly had his own ideas on how God could fix his situation, he submitted himself to God’s way. He asked the Lord to teach and lead him. Although David could have been tempted to frantic action, he quieted his heart and decided to wait on the Lord.

All too often we expect instant answers from the Lord. But God often uses the difficult situations in our life to forge character. Like David, we can be confident we will “see the LORD’s goodness.” But God will ultimately control the timing of his answers.

• O Lord, teach me how to live and help me to wait patiently on you . . .