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Long and Winding Road
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Psalm 40:1 I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. (NRSV)
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Download audio fileWhen we have a need, particularly when we’re under duress, when the pressure’s on … it’s in those times that we need God – no, we expect God – to show up right now! And yet so often, He doesn’t.
Patience is not something that comes naturally to any of us. We want things to happen – and we want them to happen now! Am I right?
Well, God, if you’re going to promise me stuff – I want it now.
Which is why I was devastated when I read that bit in the Bible where a thousand years is like a day to God. Seriously?!
We might be praying about our health, a relationship, a financial need, or whatever it may be. Okay, I prayed about it, it’s been five minutes, it’s time to go, God!
I love reading the Psalms written by King David because his life was so often in peril. He had it tougher than most, and indeed there are more Psalms of lament than there are Psalms of praise. Interesting. Anyhow, one of the things that he wrote, reflecting on one of the difficult and dangerous times in his life, was this:
Psalm 40:1 I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. (NRSV)
Would you please notice with me how David waited? He waited … patiently – the original Hebrew word means to linger expectantly, hopefully, looking out for what God is going to do.
That’s an attitude of the heart. It’s about inclining our hearts towards God, leaning into Him with a sense of expectation. That’s what it means to have faith … a patient expectation under duress.
And when we approach God with that heart attitude …he inclines to us – in other words, He stretches out and leans back into us – and hears our cry.
That’s God’s Word. Fresh … for you … today.
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