- Psalm 40:1-3 - I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord.
- Psalm 18:16-19 - He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters. He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong for me. They prevented me in the day of my calamity: but the Lord was my stay. He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me.
- Psalm 139:14 - I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
There are many stories in Scripture about people who waited years for the fulfillment of God's promises. Waiting for the Lord shapes our character and deepens our trust in Him. Today, let's look at David. He was God's chosen heir to the throne of Israel, yet he had to spend years fleeing from the persecution of the enraged King Saul. David had two separate opportunities to take revenge on Saul, but he did not give in to this temptation and spared Saul's life. He chose to wait for God's timing to ascend the throne rather than dishonor the Lord by killing His anointed king. In Psalm 18:16–19, 139:14, and other places, David shows how deeply he understood the work God was doing in his life. Rising from a shepherd to a king, David didn't just learn to wait patiently for the throne; he also learned that God's way is always the best way. He grew in trusting the Lord rather than trying to force results through his own actions. We cannot accelerate God's timing, and our patient waiting does not earn us His grace—that grace has already been given to us through faith. However, waiting for the Lord truly changes us. David did not receive God's blessings because he was a special person or because he earned them through his patience. He received them because God is faithful to His own promises. And as we learn to wait for the Lord, we will see that same faithfulness in our own lives.
Reflection
What is a situation in your life where it is currently difficult to wait for God's timing, and how is the Lord shaping your character during this period?
