Sunday, March 20 is officially the first day of spring. Often in our area, we have a few visible confirmations of spring’s arrival, like the colorful appearance of hyacinths, daffodils, and crocuses. While we wait for the weather to change, these cheerful bursts of color assure us that much has been happening beneath the soil, even as we continue to need sweaters and jackets when we go outside.
It takes time for change to happen, and waiting is not always easy. Waiting for a job application to be accepted, a loved one to seek the help they need, the court to render a decision, or a deeply cherished dream to become reality can be painful and frustrating. Yet God wants us to trust Him while we wait – and He provides the help we need in His Word.
First, we must realize that waiting is not a passive exercise. It is the confident and eager expectation that God will act on our behalf. This confidence is based on God’s unchanging character and His determination to work for our good, even when we don’t feel like He is (Romans 8:28).
Second, we can do something while we wait: seek Him through prayer. We can pour out our hearts to Him like the psalmists do (see Psalms 86 and 130, for example). We can ask Him for specific outcomes (Philippians 4:6). And we can rest in His faithful, compassionate care for us (Psalm 37:7). He invites us to draw near to Him in confidence, believing that “we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).
Finally, we can grow in our understanding of God’s characte
r and our appreciation of His compassionate love for us. He is intimately familiar with the cares of our hearts, promising, “I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, ‘Do not fear; I will help you,’” (Isaiah 41:13). His wisdom is unfathomable and perfect (Romans 11:33-36). And His love for you – not just people in general, but you – is more powerful than anything in heaven or on earth (Romans 8:38-39) and it can never fail (Psalm 36:5-7).
Whatever change we are waiting for, we can learn to wait on the Lord with confidence. We can be certain that He is working, even if we cannot see results or feel like He is (John 5:17). We can find comfort in knowing that He “makes everything work out according to His plan” (Ephesians 1:11). We can still our hearts and be at peace because He “is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works” (Psalm 145:9). And we can rest in His power and goodness, knowing He is working to change hearts now and for eternity.
