Waiting

Then King David went in and sat before the Lord.

2 Samuel 7:18 esv

Why would God do this to me? When will I feel better?

These questions often pop up when we’re faced with chronic mental distress. Some people, in their effort to explain the unexplainable, say we just need more faith. This incorrect response puts the blame on us, implying that if we had more faith, we would have the healing we hope for. Just as confusing is when we hear about someone else’s healing or recovery. Why didn’t God choose me? Did I do something wrong?

All great questions without simple answers. The reasons for God’s actions or inactions often remain a mystery. In this life, we may never fully know why God allows certain things to happen. We will never know all the reasons why some suffer from depression and others do not. But we do know his ultimate purpose is to bring glory to himself. And we know that the road to healing is a road we take in faith. One of our stops along the road is to find the right care or support group. Another stop is waiting on God.

But let’s admit it: we don’t like waiting. Waiting doesn’t feel natural. We are ready for our healing now. We want to move forward. The busyness that calls to us is the opposite of the quiet waiting that God often asks of us. But in the waiting we receive what we truly want and need—more of God. We learn more about his nature, power, and sovereignty. Waiting provides the opportunity for our hearts to be refreshed by the Holy Spirit, to spend more time in his presence.

So, while we wait for God to answer our prayers for healing or restoration, we can be patient and expectant. God is faithful and he will answer.

All things come to him who waits—provided he knows what he is waiting for.

Woodrow T. Wilson

Biblically, waiting is not just something we have to do until we get what we want. Waiting is part of the process of becoming what God wants us to be.

John Ortberg

If any are inclined to despond, because they do not have such patience, let them be of good courage. It is in the course of our feeble and very imperfect waiting that God Himself, by his hidden power, strengthens us and works out in us the patience of the great saints, the patience of Christ Himself.

Andrew Murray

For Further Reflection

Psalm 27:13–14; Psalm 62:1; Psalm 130:5

Today’s Prayer

Along my journey, please help me to wait well. Please remind me that waiting is a part of the road I travel. Amen.