September 7

Tired of Waiting 

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 102:1-11 | Song 5:1-8:14 | 2 Corinthians 9:1-15 | Proverbs 22:24-25

Today’s Scripture Focus: Psalm 102:1-11

Do not hide your face from me when I am in distress. Turn your ear to me; when I call, answer me quickly.  (Psalm 102:2 NIV)

Can you relate to the Psalmist? Have you ever had a time when you grew tired of waiting for the answer to your prayer? Maybe you are like me and you feel that way most every day.

It is so good to be able to just pour out our heart to God. It is good to let him know our struggles and frustrations. It is good to lament and tell him how we feel. Perhaps you can relate to the Psalmist’s description of waiting in prayer:

“Because of my loud groaning I am reduced to skin and bones. I am like a desert owl, like an owl among the ruins. I lie awake; I have become like a bird alone on a roof.” (Psalm 102:5-7, NIV)

Except for the skin and bones part, I know I can relate. In times of waiting, we feel alone and abandoned; we feel helpless and hopeless. Our anxious thoughts cause sleepless nights and poor eating habits. Times of waiting can feel downright devastating at times.

But the Psalmist knows that when the time is right God will answer.

But you, O Lord, sit enthroned forever; your renown endures through all generations. [13] You will arise and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to show favor to her; the appointed time has come (Psalm 102:12-13, NIV).

O.K. I admit it, I read ahead a few verses (tomorrow’s verses), but those are the verses I needed to hear. When I desire a quick answer and am tired of waiting, I need to remember that God will arise when the appointed time comes. He is still seated on the throne, and He is gracious and compassionate. When the time is right, he will answer. Maybe that’s what you need to remember too.

Father, I don’t like to wait. Yet, I realize that there are lessons to be learned in the school of faith that can be learned no other way. So, I wait and look for the answer. Amen.