Tag Archives: wait
Training
Scene playing at my daughter’s house tonight: Worn out child #2 in room, tired but fighting the rest she so desperately needs. It’s been a long day, full of laughter, good food, a movie, and game time with Momma and Grammie. Now it’s past her bedtime, and even after the normal bedtime ritual of a story and song with cuddles, she is overstimulated and cranky. Momma has taken to the sofa, silent to the little girl’s pleas for her to hear and come placate her. Wise Momma waits patiently, ever aware of angelface’s cries, but in the work of training this child, allows her to shout out in angst, shed tears, and vent her frustrations.
I hear the wisdom of my Heavenly Father roll off her tongue, as she reassures her. “I love you. It’s time to rest. Lie down and go to sleep.” Then, she is quiet, and she waits for daughter to wear herself out with groaning. The cries grow louder and more insistent, and she resists the urge to run to her and coddle her. Patiently she endures the wailing, knowing this time of training, hard as it is, will make the next one a little easier. The goal is to teach this child to discipline herself. One day, she will be equipped with the coping skills she needs to remind herself of the things she knows. Mom loves me, it’s been a long day, it’s time to rest…and she will fall asleep without the fight.
And as my own Father waits patiently for my cries to subside, his words echo in my mind, I love you. Trust Me. Rest; And I am reassured that He is not absent, or deaf to my cries. He is just quiet while He patiently waits for me to quit fighting and obey.
In the Meantime
The meantime.
A dear friend of mine passed on a phrase to me that I have remembered and used often these past three years. She said, “you know, it’s called the “meantime” for a reason. It’s not called the “nice time” or the “easy time”, it’s called the “meantime”, because it’s mean.”
And, I concur.
While we wait in hope for what God has promised, life continues. It’s never “fair” (if fair means nice and generous, and full of only good things for sincere-hearted people). It can be dark, and lonely, and stressful. It is often full of misunderstanding and angst, while void of the comforts we have enjoyed in the past. For me, it’s been a painful pruning time, where relationships and material things that are not helping us to bear fruit are cut away, and we are brought to our knees, seeking the only One who can fill the longing in our heart.
No, the meantime is not always a nice time, but my son pitched a question to me yesterday that I can’t shake.
“Mom, have you ever stopped to think that the “meantime” is exactly where you are supposed to be?”
What?
The meantime can have meaning?
This waiting…this meantime…is not the passageway to get to a destination of blessing, but is the blessing in itself?
I have to re-think this some more.
Edited to add: My first click after publishing this post was today’s entry in my favorite devotional. It’s like an exclamation point to the thoughts I have shared here. Check it out.
Reckon it nothing but joy… whenever you find yourself hedged in by the various trials, be assured that the testing of your faith leads to power of endurance (James 1:2-3) Weymouth
God hedges in His own that He may preserve them, but oftentimes they only see the wrong side of the hedge, and so misunderstand His dealings. It was so with Job (Job 3:23). Ah, but Satan knew the value of that hedge! See his testimony in Job 1:10.
Psalm 5, as prayed by me tonight
Lord, do you hear my words? Are you paying attention to my sighing? In the quiet hours of the morning, I am begging you, my King and my God, to acknowledge the sound of my cries when I plead my case to you. I continue to wait expectantly for your answer.
I know that you are not a God who tolerates unrighteousness, and the evil one cannot live and walk with you. You hate all evildoers, and the boastful cannot stand in your sight, neither those who are dishonest, deceitful or those who are bent on destruction.
But because of your steadfast love, I am welcomed into your house, and in awe of you, I bow down toward your holy temple.
Continue to lead me in your righteousness and make your will and your way clear to me, for the sake of my enemies…because there is no truth in their mouths, and they are full of destructive plans. Their throats are open graves, and their words are filled with empty promises and flattery. Make them bear their guilt, Lord; Use their own words of advice to trip them up and make them fall. They are rebelling against you, Lord. Their sins have separated them from you, and they are cast away from your presence.
But, let me, and everyone who takes refuge in you be filled with joyful songs forever, as we rejoice in You. Spread out your mighty arm of protection over us, so that we who love you may celebrate and delight in You. Because you bless the righteous, Lord, and you protect them with your kind assistance, as with a shield.
Renewed Like the Eagle – Psalms 103:5
Very timely, beautifully written post about waiting, resting, renewing, and soaring; my life’s song this year. Enjoy.
One of my most favorite sections of scripture is found in Psalms 103, which lists many of God’s benefits to mankind. Let’s look specifically at verse 5.
Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
Who doesn’t want youth? I sure like the idea of being youthful!
Let’s read this verse in the Amplified Version:
Who satisfies your mouth [your necessity and desire at your personal age and situation] with good so that your youth, renewed, is like the eagle’s [strong, overcoming, soaring]!
Wow! This truth really communicates the availability to maintain youthful vigor and vitality. No matter your age, situation or how you feel, it’s available to not be burden down, overwhelmed, or tired like people of the same age. Now this is a truth worth dwelling upon!
The eagle is a powerful bird that represents strength and the ability to overcome. An eagle can fly…
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New Things 