Waiting well is hardly my strong suit. How does time spent getting stuck in traffic when you run late to pick up your child expand into an unknowable amount of time? Suddenly, everyone is moving in slow motion, yet the time is speeding forward, and your estimated arrival time continues speeding further into the future.
Waiting in Silence
1 For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation.
2 He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.
3 How long will all of you attack a man to batter him, like a leaning wall, a tottering fence?
4 They only plan to thrust him down from his high position. They take pleasure in falsehood.
They bless with their mouths, but inwardly they curse. Selah
(Psalm 62:1-4 ESV)
The psalmist declares his willingness to wait on God because God is the source of all he values most. Even when attacked and vulnerable, he chooses to focus on the Lord.
When faced with a threat, I am tempted to fill the waiting with words of worry, complaint, and even catastrophizing. I can raise the “what if” scenarios to an outstanding level, but to what end? Will any of that help me?
What if I chose to wait in silence?
The psalmist decides to wait quietly and in the certainty of his rescue. While acknowledging the threat, he doesn’t fall for his enemy’s deceptive or intimidating ways. He turns down the volume on the doubters and tunes into the quiet presence of the Lord.
Waiting Unshaken
5 For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him.
6 He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken.
7 On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God.
(Psalm 62:5-7 ESV)
The psalmist decides to remain unshaken and focused on the solid rock of God. He declares his dependence on God alone.
When dealing with uncertainty, I am tempted to lose hope.
Waiting on God’s Wisdom
8 Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Selah
(Psalm 62:8 ESV)
The psalmist reminds believers to trust God at all times and in all circumstances and encourages believers first to pour out their hearts to God.
When dealing with human betrayal, I am drawn to seek justice from those in authority on earth. Or tempted to take matters into my own hands and rush to justice before even seeking God’s wisdom. At this point, I don’t know what I don’t know. I must wait on God’s wisdom.
Waiting on God’s Conclusions
9 Those of low estate are but a breath; those of high estate are a delusion; in the balances they go up; they are together lighter than a breath.
10 Put no trust in extortion; set no vain hopes on robbery; if riches increase, set not your heart on them.
(Psalm 62:9-10 ESV)
The psalmist recognizes how fleeting the favor of man can be. Relationships die, people drift apart, and financial gains and losses come and go.
When I feel people fail me, it’s easy to allow disappointment to crush me. I must choose to trust God.
Waiting on God’s Steadfast Love and Justice
11 Once God has spoken; twice have I heard this: that power belongs to God,
12 and that to you, O Lord, belongs steadfast love. For you will render to a man according to his work.
(Psalm 62:11-12 ESV)
The psalmist reminds believers to listen to God’s word and recognize his power. God has all the power and the most remarkable ability to ensure everyone is treated fairly and receives what he or she is due.
When the world celebrates the strength of the mob, the influence of the crowd, and the loudest voices, it’s tempting for me to lose hope. I must choose to cling to God’s steadfast love.
Prayer
Lord, teach me to wait well. Help me to focus on you even when I am distracted by anxiety and uncertainty. You are always worth waiting on. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
Anthea Kotlan 