I love the song, “I Don’t Mind Waiting” by Juanita Bynum; however, I always feel like a hypocrite when I sing it because the Lord knows me, and He knows I do mind waiting. I am sometimes very impatient with the Lord. When I want to move in a particular direction, I want it sooner rather than later. But God says, not until next year. I am like that two-year-old who keeps asking why? I often smile when I picture the Lord with folded arms giving me that gentle but firm look, saying “my child, haven’t I always given you exactly what you need, and at the right time. Won’t you trust me once again.” I always bow my head in shame and ask for forgiveness, promising to wait. Two weeks later, there I am again asking why.
In today’s climate where we want everything fast and right now, we could search all over and still it would be difficult to find someone with God's patience - to answer the same question for one or two years? God is patient, God is kind, God is loving. This I am sure of, because he has been all of those thing to me.
On a recent Sunday morning, when I awoke, I felt a surge of joy and just kept humming “I Give Myself Away” by William McDowell. Then about an hour later, a weariness swept over me. I felt like crying and I could not shake the feel. I tried to pray but it was fragmented. I logged onto my church and began to listen to the service.
Bishop started the sermon with a prayer that began to lift my spirit. As I listened, he began by saying he had been having some anxiety because of what had been going on in his city; so, he wanted to talk about anxiety and stress. That made me smile because I knew God had a message for me. Many people are stressed and suffers from anxiety and depression now. The atmosphere is one of turmoil and one’s spirit can easily be pulled in this direction if we do not pray and meditate on His words daily.
The bishop reminded us of Philippians 4:4-7 (NASB) – “Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God.” My heart rejoiced because I have to admit, sometimes the turmoil and craziness seeps into my spirit and I have to remind myself that I serve a great big and mighty God who promises to take care of all – not some – but all my needs. What an awesome God we serve!
Later in the evening, I was researching some inspirational themes, and one of the first verses that popped up was “Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.” Psalm 27:14 (KJV). The Lord is awesome, and He does have a sense of humor.
So, when the storms of life try to get you down, just rejoice and be glad and know that He will do what he says he will do...always.
Paula Hamilton, SHRM-CP, PHR
Copy Editor & Contributor
