Okay, I admit it…I hate to wait. I hate to wait in the car for family members (I dare not mention names) who will be out in “just a minute.” I hate to wait in the mall for family members (I dare not mention names) who say, “It will take just a second” to go into a certain store and check on a certain item. I hate waiting for everyone to show up so a meeting can start…and sometimes I hate waiting until the meeting is over. It’s not that I don’t like people or family members…on the contrary…it’s just that I hate to wait. And…I admit it…I hate waiting on God.

So, I really need to hear today’s message from Psalm 40.

Psalm 40:1-3
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.

I like things to happen…yesterday. I like the pieces of a plan to fall in place according to a turbo-timeline. I know the process is necessary, but I like the product. I am most excited when it’s time to take the enchiladas out of the oven, when a new ministry is launched, when it’s time to pick the fruit, or when we can celebrate the win. Why doesn’t God understand that?

Hmm, come to think of it, he understands my propensity all too well. He understands that my mentality can cause train wrecks in ministry and life. He knows my “ready, shoot, aim” approach can frustrate people around me. He knows I would not appreciate the “making my steps secure” if not for some time in the “pit of destruction.” He knows I’d be happy singing the old song; therefore, he lets me wear it out in the “miry bog” and then gives me a new one. So (I am talking to myself here) take a deep breath, pray a slow prayer, and God, please make me a more patient waiter. And if you could teach me without the “pit of destruction,” that’d be great.

Father, good things always happen when I wait patiently on you. Remind me of that often. Help me enjoy the process…as well as the product. In Christ’s name. Amen.