Keys to Revolutionize Your Life
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By Jeremy Lopez
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Waiting has been the hardest spiritual growth skill for me. Impatient and energetic by nature, I like things to move fast. But, if there’s anything I’ve learned about God in recent years, it’s this: God is never in a hurry, and He is often VERY…SLOW.
God uses delay to sharpen His instruments and set the stage for His glory and purpose.
Just this past week, I was reading in 1 Samuel 13 how King Saul grew impatient waiting for Samuel to come and offer burnt offerings and fellowship offerings. Because he felt impatient and frustrated, he went ahead and did it himself. But God was not pleased and punished Saul!
Is impatience a sin? I believe one of the greatest spiritual practices is learning to wait on God.
Psalm 37 offers postures of waiting well.
Trusting God Instead of Spinning Scenarios
“Trust God and do good” (Psalm 37:1-3). Often, when we’re in a season of waiting, our minds spin off all sorts of “what if” questions. This creates friction in our souls. Instead, declare continually over your waiting, “I will trust in the goodness of God, and while I wait, I will focus on doing good for others.”
Bowing in Worship Instead of Coming Unglued
“Delight yourself in the LORD” (Psalm 37:4). What does it look like to delight yourself in the Lord while you’re waiting? Impatience can bring out a host of anxious feelings. Shift your focus to the character of God. I’ve found it helpful during seasons of waiting to make a list of the character traits of God. I generally put these in alphabetical order to help me remember them. As I praise my way through the list of His attributes, the Holy Spirit calms my anxious heart and gives me peace.
Releasing Rather Than Carrying the Burden on Your Own
“Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him and He will do this” (Psalm 37:5). Honestly, pour out your heart to the Lord. Dump all your feelings on Him rather than denying those feelings or stuffing them. His shoulders are by far broader than ours, and it is comforting to imagine Him carrying the issues that weigh us down.
Pausing to Listen Rather Than Taking Action
“Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him” (Psalm 37:7). Oh, this is a hard one for me personally. Maybe you are “still” by nature. Not me. I am antsy! My mind goes a mile a minute, and sometimes my mouth tries to keep up. When I am in waiting mode, I imagine God quieting my soul much like a mama quiets her infant. God holds me close, and as I snuggle in against His chest, I can hear the rhythm of His heart and feel the comfort of His love for me. The same holds true for you. As you wait, nestle down in His love and allow His Almighty arms to comfort your soul.
Turning to God Rather Than Giving in to Frustration
(Psalm 37:8). God can handle all of our emotions. But our frustration and anger can, at times, rob us of the joy He longs to give us while we wait. When you feel your anger and frustration rising, pause and ask the Lord to give you a deeper understanding of His love. I believe that is a prayer that delights His heart!
Friend, this week, slow down. Learn to live within the gentle rhythms of God’s pace. Practice waiting on Him rather than racing ahead of Him.
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