Everlasting God

     "Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord, wait upon the Lord. We will wait upon the Lord."  Do you ever wonder why Chris Tomlin felt the need need to repeat that phrase?  Part of the reason is because it makes sense musically. However, I believe that the more important reason is because patience is something that all Christians must learn to exercise.  Waiting is critical in learning that we are not in charge!  Do you need me to repeat that?
     One of the earliest examples of patience in the Bible involved Jacob.  "Jacob served seven years to get Rachel, but they only seemed like a few days to him because of his love for her." (Genesis 29:20).  Wow! Talk about getting caught up in the moment and losing track of time.
     I often wonder how long is it appropriate to wait upon the Lord?  Our human nature in today's culture desires instantaneous results.  Faster is always better...right?  Don't answer that.  I cannot tell you how many times I have regretted saying or doing something spur in the moment.  Sometimes it can be beneficial to sit back and reflect on our motives behind our requests.  Is this going to be something to bring glory to him, or ourself?  If it seems that God is taking his sweet time granting your request, maybe he is trying to tell you something.  Either it is not something that he has willed for you, or it is his way of saying "not yet."
    So, what are we to do as we wait upon the Lord?  "Commit your way to the Lord;  He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.  Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked ways (Psalm 37:6-7).  It is not always easy, but, trust God and his timing.  Jeremiah 29:11 tells us "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  Just because you want it now, doesn't mean that you should get it now.  If you find yourself waiting, it is simply God saying "not yet my child."  Until then, put on a smile and remember that "Strength will rise as we wait upon The Lord."