Catechism: Prayer & Worship - RhythmsExemplo

The Rhythm of Hopeful Waiting. One of the hardest things in life is waiting. The period between what’s started or hoped for and what’s completed can be long, and we can often feel stuck. And when we feel stuck, we sometimes push forward in a refusal to wait, rushing to get to our destination or receive the answer or fill that need or desire. And sometimes that turns out okay, but sometimes it doesn't.

Wherever you fall in the waiting process, what’s most important to God is how we wait. These last two days, we’ve talked a lot about establishing healthy rhythms in our lives that reflect a heart that knows and trusts God. Today’s Scripture passages show us how King David waited.

First, he was still. He wasn’t busy or trying to keep his mind occupied with other things; he chose to be still and wait. Psalm 46:10 tells us to be still and know he is God. Stillness is a sign of trust, a realization that your activity doesn’t always bring about your expectations and that you’re believing God can accomplish it himself.

Next, he chose to wait patiently. He exercised patience, meaning he waited without complaining or worrying, without comparing himself to those around him or worrying about the things he couldn’t control.

And lastly, he waited without frustration, staying away from anger and leaving wrath behind. Anger is a sign that we’re not getting what we want, when we want it, and can often be sinful; so the best way to wait is without anger. When we choose to put our trust in the Lord, we can wait with hope, even when we don’t fully understand what’s happening.

Consider: How do you find yourself waiting? Do you grab your phone to fill the time, rush ahead to make something happen, or do you choose to be still and hopeful? How could you practice a healthier rhythm of waiting in your prayers and in your life?

Reflect: Read the last line of Psalm 37:9 and consider what this promise means for you. If you wait for the Lord in the right way, what would “possessing the land” mean in your life?