Wait on the Lord

By Michealene Browne
Psalms 40:1 “I waited, I waited for The Lord, then he stooped to me and heard my cry for help.”

Throughout the scriptures, we see over and over again the mention of God’s people waiting.

The Israelites waiting on the Deliverer;

The exiled waiting to return to Jerusalem;

Simeon waiting in the temple;

The Jews waiting on the Messiah;

Christians waiting on Jesus to return.

For a long time, I honestly thought waiting was a simple action, watching and patiently waiting. However, I’ve come to understand that waiting is a huge and complex task.

Waiting on the Lord entails a whole lot of reflection and sacrifice. Waiting on the Lord is more active than passive.

Waiting for calls for service. When we wait on the Lord, we serve His people. Our lives should be of prayerful service so that when we meet Him we can hear those wonderful words

“Well done, good and faithful servant. For when I was hungry, you gave me to eat.” You waited on Me. When I was thirsty, naked, in prison, homeless, sick, you waited on Me.”

The Lord Himself gave us this example at the Last Supper when He washed the feet of His disciples. John 13:4 “and he got up from the table, removed his outer garments and, taking a towel, wrapped it around his waist;”

Our Lord Himself removed His outer garments and wrapped a towel around His waist“

This is the image of a waiter, a server, there to supply our needs.

When you go to a restaurant, a waiter or waitress comes to your table, greets the guests, introduces themselves, and announces that they will be your server during your stay. They’re generally very friendly and accommodating even in instances of difficulty.

“I have given you an example,” Jesus said. “that so you also should do”

The Lord stressed this lesson to His disciples as He waited on them.

What an awesome and humble Master we have. He came down to the earth to teach us the way we should live.

Bear in mind, though, that He never said that service to Him would be easy. Just look at what He Himself endured. The ultimate act of service despite the pain, ridicule, shame, and embarrassment.

Service to the Lord requires true sacrifice and love. Many times it’s not easy or comfortable. It dares us to step out of our comfort zones to wait on Him.

Wait on Him amid the many voices of the naysayers.

Wait on Him even when we ourselves don’t feel we have what it takes to get something done.

Wait on Him anyhow.

Yes, it’s rather hard to be patient and not take things into our own hands, or try to do things our own way. However, we have that blessed assurance of His promises, that are always true. He is faithful.

Every time we wait on Him, His gift is better than anything we could ever perceive on our own.

As we wait on our soon-coming Lord, let us wait on Him as we wait on each other.

I leave you with my favourite verse on waiting for Him.

Psalm 27:14 “ Wait on the Lord, be of good courage and He will strengthen your heart.” And this was so profound a lesson, the psalmist repeated

“ Wait I say on the Lord.”

God bless you all