The Benefits of Waiting

By Ginny Chambers

Hurry up and wait is a common thread in today’s culture. We are all waiting for the virus to end and for life to get back to normal. As I write this blog post, I am waiting to see what will happen with my job.

Waiting is defined as remaining inactive until something expectant comes to pass. We all have a choice: We can be stressed out or choose to wait and gain confidence that we will have a good outcome. Over and over, scripture urges us to wait upon the Lord. This requires a positioning of our hearts and an atmosphere of worship and prayer. The Bible says that God inhabits the praises of His people. This is not automatic, however; we have to intentionally set aside sacred time. We need to be still. Psalm 46:10 says to be still and know He is God. And Exodus 14:14 says, “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

I have found being still is not always an easy action. Often during my quiet time, my mind wrestles with plans and potential outcomes. So I have to lasso every thought to the obedience of Christ. Waiting on the Lord takes practice, for sure. Don’t despise small beginnings. I have found the more you practice, the more your heart will yearn for this time. You will also enjoy the many benefits of waiting:

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. – Isaiah 40:31

“My soul waits for the Lord, He is our help and our shield.” – Psalm 33:20

“Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!” – Isaiah 30:18

“The Lord is good to those who wait for Him.” – Lamentations 3:25

So much of our lives are out of control, even when it comes to our deepest needs. My work situation came to pass in a way. It was unexpected. But these are times that waiting upon the Lord is most relevant. I encourage every believer to carve out time to put this into practice.

Keep yourself in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of the Lord Jesus to eternal life. – Jude 1:21

Ginny Chambers is an avid writer, living in the freedom of Christ. In her spare time, she enjoys volunteering at LowCountry Community Church, gardening, and spending time with friends.