Joy in The Waiting

Waiting is hard. Am I right? I don’t know of a whole lot of people who would willingly raise their hand volunteering to wait for much of anything these days. Yet, for so many different reasons (and seasons) our gracious and loving Heavenly Father asks us to do just that. Wait. 

God’s Word says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” (James 1:2-3). This verse brings the revelation that the seasons spent in trials, like waiting, will produce a harvest of fruits if we allow them to – and we should consider the trials pure JOY. 

In my waiting seasons I have discovered that when I choose to trust in the Lord (and His timing) I am given peace as I surrender control. When I practice speaking the word of God over my life, my confidence is strengthened as my uncertainties dim in the bright light of truth. And when I remember His undeniable faithfulness, fresh hope fills my heart in exchange for my fearful doubts. 

In essence, I surrender control and gain peace. I surrender uncertainty and gain confidence. I surrender my doubts and gain fresh hope along with strengthened faith. It’s a beautiful exchange! And that brings a smile to my face and JOY to my waiting heart. 

Remember the verse in Isaiah 55:8 that tells us, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways”? So why do we continually strive to figure it all out? God’s way is better. Always. We can rest in that truth. 

Friends, I know that persevering in the waiting times of life may not always “feel” joyful but there is truly joy in the waiting. Jesus doesn’t ask us to wait to make life difficult. He is not withholding goodness from us as a punishment for something we did wrong. His purpose is to produce in us a fruitful harvest as He completes His will for our lives. He is our portion and He is with us in the waiting. 

The late, great Reverend Billy Graham said it best when he stated,

“Mountaintops are for views and inspiration, but fruit is grown in the valleys.”

Facing trials and enduring suffering brings us into a closer, more kindred understanding of Jesus and the suffering He endured on our behalf. If nothing else, we can most certainly rejoice in that. 

“Just a closer walk with Thee

Grant it, Jesus, is my plea

Daily walking close to Thee

Let it be, dear Lord, let it be”

(Hymn – Author unknown) 

Keep your eyes on the Father. He is where joy is found. 

Be blessed my friends! And let the joy of the Lord be your strength. 

• Stephanie