Last week, I found myself waiting. In retrospect, I realize that a great deal of my life is spent in waiting.
Waiting in line to make a purchase, for the light to change, an appointment, waiting for the oven timer, a phone call, a package—waiting.
Waiting is a common bond in our humanity; everybody rich and poor, young and old, waits. Perhaps the hardest “wait” of all is waiting for God to answer prayer.
Whether we have entered a physical waiting room for an appointment or we are waiting on God; waiting can be tedious. The best relief for tedium is being busy.
Both the spiritual and the physical waiting room can be a place of learning. I should occupy myself with Christian magazines and books that will encourage and direct me as I wait. Certainly, reading my Bible is a good pass time as well. (Proverbs 9:9)
For there to be learning, there must, logically, be teaching. Many cooking techniques, gardening tips and ideas for vacation spots have been expounded upon while in a physical waiting room.
There exists the same opportunity to teach others about my Lord’s love, mercy, forgiveness and provision (I Timothy 4:11-13). Whether physically or spiritually waiting, I can use the time productively.
The waiting room can also be a place of introduction. Everybody knows of a time well spent with a stranger while waiting on an appointment time. Sometimes, common ground is found and comfortable conversation leads to an opportunity of witness. Whether I’m waiting for an appointment or waiting on God, I can look for opportunity to introduce Jesus to those around me.
Waiting can also be a time of personal reflection. The word, Selah, is found in the Psalms 73 times. Selah is thought to mean: “think about this” or “pause and reflect.”
When I remind myself of all the times God has met me in my need, my faith is strengthened. God was faithful ‘then’ He is faithful now. Filling time with contemplation of God’s mercy and provision leads to praise and makes waiting a place of worship.
God’s Word reminds me that as I wait, I can be renewed and strengthened. I will be held accountable for how I use my time (Romans 14:12). Whether in the physical waiting room or a spiritual waiting room, from now on, I will discipline myself to use my time in “the waiting room” productively.
Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.