What Are You Waiting For?

Psalm 27:13-14
I remain confident of this:
    I will see the goodness of the Lord
    in the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord;
    be strong and take heart
    and wait for the Lord.

Waiting on the train

A few years ago, I went to the zoo with my daughter and her two children. We wanted to see everything we could, but one of the highlights of Zeke's day was the train ride. The little engine pulled a string of cars around a section of the zoo, so visitors could see the swans on the lake and several other animals. He could hardly wait for his turn around the track.

How often do I ask God for something and don't wait on the answer? I don't want to stand in line for a confirmation. I want to dive in even though I know He has a plan and knows my needs. And how difficult, because of my human nature, is it to wait on God? My prayer might be, "But God, I need that now." Or "God, I don't have time for this." Then there's "This is perfect for me, isn't it? Maybe not. Can you just tell me?" When I'm waiting on an answer from God, I'm not as patient as I should be. My mind plays games and dreams up ridiculous scenarios of how something should go. That's when I have to pop myself in the head with my Bible (not literally) and remind myself that to wait on the Lord is a good thing.

I love what the Psalm says about seeing the Lord's goodness in the land of the living. The place of the people who trust in Him. I can be confident in His promise. With an obedient heart I need to be strong, take heart, and wait.

What are you waiting for? Have you sent your request to God?

Praise God for his wisdom and mercy.

Sing Out!

Colossians 3:15-17
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

I’m not a musician but I love music. The worship music at church, songs I hear on the radio, and thanks to 93.9 Christmas music. Yes I’ve been listening to “O Holy Night,” “Away in a Manger,” and the instrumental music from A Charlie Brown Christmas. Plus lots of contemporary carols. Maybe I’m a little early, but it renews my spirit of thanksgiving and joy.

I like that the folks at the church in Colossians taught through music. Psalms, hymns and songs were filled with wisdom and shared among the people. Their voices lifted in praise. Some of my favorite hymns remind me how much Jesus loves me and how he died for me. I don’t know many Thanksgiving songs, but I know several that express thanks to the Lord. Psalm 100:4 paints a beautiful picture of rejoicing in the Lord. “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise give thanks to him and praise his name.” I picture a group of people dancing and singing and praising the King of Kings. This Thanksgiving, find the song in your heart and praise the Lord!