Wait

Waiting is not one of my strong points.  I don’t like to make other people wait, either.  Yet it happens.  I have to wait, and I cause others to wait, too.  We all do.

I’ve wondered what kind of patience David must have had.  Anointed king of Israel, then sent back to herd the ship for years more.  Called to service King Saul, the very king he was to replace – but when. Did he think Samuel got it wrong?  Did he question God?  Ask “Why?”

We know what he wrote later:

Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD. (Psalms 27:14 KJV)

‘Patience’ isn’t found in the KJ Old Testament, but it is mentioned 33 times in the new. Jesus used it in Luke when He spoke the parable of the sower:

But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience. (Luke 8:15 KJV)

He used it again when speaking to the disciples about what would be coming in the future:

In your patience possess ye your souls. (Luke 21:19 KJV)

Paul took quite a few words to tell us that tribulation not only brings patience, but that patience brings hope.

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope:  (Romans 5:1-4 KJV)

Can we wait?  Up to half a lifetime, as David did, before what we are promised comes to pass?  When we do, it is worthwhile.

But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. (Romans 8:25 KJV)

Wait, on the Lord – and He will keep his promise.

Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. (Psalms 37:5 KJV)