Worship in the Waiting
Waiting can be excruciating. In our increasingly fast-paced world, we want things done as soon as possible. Food can be ready in a few minutes. Information can be obtained in seconds.
But, there are things we have to wait for. We pray, and the answer doesn't come. What should we do?
WORSHIP.
Psalm 62 addresses the state of waiting. It starts with this line: "My soul waits in silence for God only." The Hebrew word used for "wait" here means "a quiet waiting". What a challenge! Does this mean that we are not to do anything until we get our answer? Hardly.
The psalm talks a lot about what one does in waiting:
- Trust God. David describes God as "my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken" (Ps 62:2). He even encourages his people to "trust in him at all times."
- Believe that God will answer. David said, "God has spoken plainly, and I have heard it many times." (Ps 62:11) He even tells his people to "Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge." (Ps. 62:8)
- Do not live in sin. David sings, "Don't make your living by extortion or put your hope in stealing. And if your wealth increases, don't make it the center of your life." (Ps. 62:10)
- Stay focused. David acknowledges that people are out to kill him. He even talks about people who backstab him (Ps. 62:3-4), but he repeats his opening line in verse 5: Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him.
Quiet waiting is active waiting. And that too, is worship.
|