The Journey Toward Waiting WellSample

Countless Friday nights were spent after the sun went down staring into star-filled skies with my dad, watching planes land on the runway. The man became a pilot and never got his fill of enchantment from being in the air. My mom, my sister, and I didn’t share his fondness or fascination. As time passed, those Friday nights took on an air of disinterest rather than intrigue for everyone but my father. But in the midst of those dark nights, Dad gave me a gift. He was ever pointing my view away from myself and my surroundings, encouraging me to lift my eyes upward.

David does this on his journey toward waiting well. Instead of focusing on the details of his harrowing plight, He turns his attention heavenward. He voices concern for God’s honor. What will people think of the God of Israel if His chosen people falter against the bad guys? The welfare of God’s reputation, rather than David’s, is at stake. And as he moves his focus away from his current issues and onto the person and character of the Lord, David recalls God’s faithfulness to him in the past.

These two have a history together. Somewhere in the middle of praying, remembering who God is and what He has already done, David thinks less of his current predicament and more of God’s track record with him.

What about you? Do you have a history with God? When Twister goes a little too long, and you feel your life is contorting and stretching you beyond what you can handle as you wait for the next move, can you sight instances of God’s faithfulness? Can you devote some time to ponder what He has done in the past to help give you the confidence to trust Him for your future?

On your journey toward waiting well, lift your eyes upward. Take them off of your feelings. Move your gaze past the problems, the setbacks, and the ugly realities that have you tied up and breathless.

Spend some time today looking up, reflecting on God’s faithfulness. Take note. Let it consume your negativity, the urgent, and the discouragement that drags your gaze back down. Trusting in His record because of His character like David is how we move forward on the journey toward waiting well.