Have you ever heard of the American prayer? It goes this way: “Lord, give me patience, and I want it right now.” Patience is not a virtue our society seems to favor. Few of us like to wait – it reminds us we’re out of control. When we are waiting, it may feel like nothing is happening. Sometimes, when we pray, and the answer doesn't come right away, we might start doubting if God will ever respond.
But the Bible talks about the importance of patience and the quality of hope. The psalmist sings, "Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us, just as we hope in You." This "quality" of hope has to do with how we behave while we wait. Do we waste that time worrying and getting anxious, or do we use it to deepen our understanding of God and put our trust in Him?
When we truly know God and have a relationship with Him, we aren't troubled by delays or temporary problems. We recognize He is with us, loves us, and protects us. So we wait patiently for Him to intervene. Patient waiting is the strongest proof of our trust in Him as our helper and protector.
Those who aren't in communion with God often succumb to anxiety and unease, consumed by uncertainty and doubt. “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31).
God wants to have a personal communion with us and for us to trust Him completely. Instead of panicking, let's place our trust in Him. Let's remember that He loves us and takes care of us.
So, let's spend as much time as we can with God. Let's talk to Him through prayer and listen to His voice by reading the Holy Scriptures. May we trust Him and eagerly await His response, praising and thanking Him in our prayers. He will answer our prayers, strengthen us, and give us peace.
