Devotional for Patient Trust
Wait for the Lord
“Wait for the Lord”—three words that challenge our fast-paced, instant-results culture. In Psalm 37:34, David shares a counterintuitive secret to seeing God’s promises fulfilled, not through striving but through surrendered patience.
“Wait for the Lord and keep his way. He will exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are cut off, you will see it.” (Psalm 37:34, NIV)
This verse concludes David’s wisdom-packed psalm about trusting God’s timing (37:1-40), offering both a command and a promise for those facing injustice or delay.
1. The Command: Active Waiting
The Hebrew word for “wait” (qavah) means:
- To bind together (like twisted cords gaining strength)
- To expect eagerly (with taut anticipation)
- To endure patiently (Job 14:14)
This is not passive idleness but:
✔️ Obedient positioning (“keep his way”)
✔️ Watchful readiness (Matthew 25:1-13)
✔️ Strengthened dependence (Isaiah 40:31)
2. The Promise: Dual Fulfillment
God pledges to:
- Elevate the faithful (“exalt you to inherit the land”)
- Execute justice (“you will see” the wicked’s removal)
Biblical examples:
- Joseph’s prison-to-palace journey (Genesis 41)
- David’s shepherd-to-king process (1 Samuel 16-2 Samuel 5)
3. The Contrast: Two Paths
The verse juxtaposes:
✅ The patient righteous (growing stronger in waiting)
❌ The impatient wicked (cut off in rebellion)
Modern applications include:
- Career paths (godly promotion vs. unethical shortcuts)
- Relationships (waiting for God’s timing vs. forcing connections)
- Ministry growth (organic development vs. artificial hype)
Practical Waiting Strategies
1. Document God’s Faithfulness
- Keep a “while I waited” journal of provision
- Review past answered prayers (1 Samuel 7:12)
2. Obey in the Meantime
- Focus on present obedience, not future outcomes
- Bloom where planted (Jeremiah 29:5-7)
3. Develop Waiting Muscles
- Practice delayed gratification in small areas
- Fast from “quick fixes” periodically
4. Reframe Your Perspective
- View waiting as God’s incubator for growth
- Ask: “What is God developing in me during this delay?”
When Waiting Feels Impossible
For the weary waiter:
- God never wastes waiting periods (Romans 8:28)
- Your most valuable spiritual growth happens in delays
- The fulfillment will exceed the wait (Ephesians 3:20)
Reflection Questions – Wait for the Lord
- What area of my life most requires patient waiting right now?
- How has God used past waiting periods to strengthen me?
- What one step can I take to “keep His way” during this season?
Prayer
Faithful God,
Forgive my restless heart
That chafes at Your perfect timing.
Teach me to wait—
Not with resignation
But with eager expectation
Of what You’re preparing.
Help me obey today
While trusting You
For tomorrow’s fulfillment.
When doubt whispers
“Give up,”
Anchor me to Your promise
That those who wait
Will inherit
All You’ve prepared.
Amen.
