by Kala Loptien

Waiting Well

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV

We live in a world that expects and (almost) demands immediate gratification: results, responses, products… Amazon Prime anyone? Guilty! I’m always reminded of (and frequently sing) a snippet from a song in the original Willy Wonka movie. It’s Veruca’s turn to express her desire to have, well, everything. She sings and shouts, “don’t care how, I want it NOW!” Is that how we feel at times? As sinful, flawed human beings, it sure is. We prefer to be in control. We constantly think about what’s next. We think we know best; that our timeline is better. (I’m using “we” statements here so as not to feel alone in this struggle. So, thank you!)

I have always been terrible at waiting. Being still? No, thank you. And yet, as I continue to sit in a long season of waiting, something transformative is happening. I’m being stripped of the things that monopolized my time and robbed me of joy. I’ve been emptied and yet feel completely full. The Lord meets us sometimes where we least expect it. He intentionally uses these seasons to pull us close and capture our hearts.

“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”
Proverbs 16:9 English Standard Version

Waiting well is so challenging. Surrendering our will is a daily battle. We have to come to a point where we reach the end of ourselves. It’s time to go “all in”–to trust with our heart, mind and soul that He’s got this. HE is the one with the “knows-all-things” vantage point. HE is our ultimate guide. HE is always working for our good. I crave His presence and the wisdom that comes from Believers like you, who are after God’s heart. Only when we are in the Word and running to the Lord in prayer will we feel genuine, unsurpassed peace that accompanies walking with Him. There’s beauty in that space between. I pray for all of us, as we live in step with the Lord, trusting His will and encouraging one another in the one true Hope. Amen.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado