Can’t say I’m great at waiting. Sometimes people say I’m patient. I’m grateful for that. But what they can’t see is how often my insides are churning.
Look at what David says are the benefits of waiting patiently.
I waited patiently for the LORD…
he turned to me and heard my cry (v. 1)
He lifted me out of the slimy pit… (v. 2)
he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand (v. 2)
He put a new song in my mouth… (v. 3)
That’s not bad; I want all that. And the benefits extend beyond the one who waits patiently — others get in on it too:
Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD (v. 3b)
So why am I so impatient? Apparently I like the benefits more than the process. Ouch.
It is nice to see David — the poet, warrior, king — be a real person. In the midst of his waiting he doesn’t passively let life go by. He urgently pleads for God to “hurry up.”
Be pleased, O LORD, to save me; O LORD, come quickly to help me. (v. 13).
You are my help and my deliverer; O my God, do not delay (v. 17).
That’s how I feel most of the time. “I’m waiting, God, but please, hurry up.”
I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD. Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods. Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare. Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but my ears you have pierced; burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not require. Then I said, “Here I am, I have come— it is written about me in the scroll. I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.” I proclaim righteousness in the great assembly; I do not seal my lips, as you know, O LORD. I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your faithfulness and salvation. I do not conceal your love and your truth from the great assembly. Do not withhold your mercy from me, O LORD; may your love and your truth always protect me. For troubles without number surround me; my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see. They are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart fails within me. Be pleased, O LORD, to save me; O LORD, come quickly to help me. May all who seek to take my life be put to shame and confusion; may all who desire my ruin be turned back in disgrace. May those who say to me, “Aha! Aha!” be appalled at their own shame. But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation always say, “The LORD be exalted!” Yet I am poor and needy; may the Lord think of me. You are my help and my deliverer; O my God, do not delay.
— Psalm 40
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