Waiting on the Lord

Do you feel like you are waiting for the Lord to do a great work in your heart?

That was one of the reflection questions in our homework last week after being asked to read Psalm 40. We are studying David and his love for and trust in the Lord during our current Bible study, Falling in Love Again with Your Lord.

It’s a great question.

David says,

I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.  He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord. (Psa. 40:1-2)

I love the image of the Lord leaning toward me, His ear to me, listening to me! In my mind’s eye, I can see the God of the universe, creator of heaven and earth, placing His ear to my lips to hear my cry. Because I am, indeed, crying out to Him! I am crying out for deliverance from this season of affliction and pain, for restoration, for perseverance, for peace.

I suffer from chronic pain. My physical pain is an area of vulnerability for me, and the enemy latches on to this. It is easy for me to become fearful: will I always hurt? Will I always suffer this fatigue and pain? Will I ever have a day when I actually feel well? It is easy for me to take my eyes off the Lord and place them on my circumstances. It is easy for me to lose faith or to misplace my faith. I fall victim to despair.

David is a beautiful example to me of someone who praised God despite His circumstances. His faith grew and he praised God no matter what he was going through, how he felt, or what he faced.

I am currently unable to do much of what I used to do. I used to have a clean house. I used to be able to cook dinner. I used to check Facebook and keep up with e-mail. I used to know my children’s school calendars and keep up with events. I used to “feel” organized and “feel” in control of my life.

The Lord is using my affliction (and, even more painfully, the affliction of one of my children) to strip away what I thought was important. This is not an easy time. But the Lord, in His lovingkindness, has provided for me and placed me in this study of David, who lived through great highs and lows. The example of David’s life reminds me that God does incline His ear to me. HE is my Deliverer. HE makes my steps sure. HE leads me besides still waters and restores my soul. He wants my eyes on Him. He wants me to trust Him, to depend on Him.

I may not “feel” like this, but I know the Lord is using this season of affliction for my good. His Word promises that, and I believe it. David constantly praises God throughout the psalms, regardless of his circumstances, regardless of the storms of his life. He knows his help comes from the Lord.

As David says,

But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation say continually, “Great is the Lord!”  As for me, I am poor and needy, but the Lord takes thought for me. You are my help and my deliverer; do not delay, O my God! (Psa. 40:16-17)

I am praying the Lord will deliver, and that He will not delay, but in the meantime, the new song in my mouth will forever praise Him and His love for me.

Growing in Grace