Wednesday, December 7, 2022

Waiting On The Lord



          Aren't we all waiting on some prayer request from our Lord?  We often hear, wait and see how God will move and answer your petitions to Him.  Even while you wait, take heart.  God is trustworthy, never slumbers, and has your best interest in mind.  Just because you can't see His work happening, doesn't mean He isn't actively at work on your behalf.  Trust Him in your journey.

          We have been waiting a lot the past few years.  We've waited in quarantine due to covid, waited to return back to regular job offices, waited to visit family and friends due to illness exposures, waited for kid's to return to school, and waited for our own personal requests that we long for. 

          What does 'waiting on the Lord' really mean?  The word “wait” is translated from the Hebrew word “qavah”  and it means, according to Strong’s Concordance:  To hope in, look for, expect, eagerly look for, lie in wait for.  Waiting doesn't mean a do-nothing attitude.  We must be pro-active during our wait with prayer, reading the Word, and listening for His voice of guidance.   This action is an exercise of faith with an eager expectancy and anticipation. We must be patient in our wait and not give up in our asking of the same request.  1 Thesselonians 5:16-18  "Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."

        According to the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia found on Blue Letter Bible: "The most important and frequent use of the word “wait” is to define the attitude of a soul God-ward. It describes eager anticipation and yearning for the revelation of truth and love as it is in the Father.”" 

          Sometimes,  we wait with fear or worry because we have our own idea of how we want something to work out, not necessarily trusting in the Lord’s plan for how it should work out. We have envisioned our ideal outcome and we fear God won’t line up with our will.  We won't worry or fear the outcome, if we trust and know God is always working for our good because we believe in Him.

           In our wait, we should make sure that our will aligns with God's will.  By studying His Word,  direction for our steps can be provided and we can know both His will and the heart of God .  Isaiah 55:8-9  "“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord“For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts."

Benefits of Waiting on our Lord

1.  We avoid having to go through further pain-- Sometimes God makes us wait for the storm to pass, so we can travel safely ahead later. 

2. We can experience the fullness of His blessings-- Sometimes waiting involves getting what He intends best for us.

3. It increases our faith-- When we see the results of our patience in waiting on God, then our faith grows.  As our faith grows, so does our relationship wth Him.

4. It's a witness to others-- Others are always watching to see how God is working in your life.   How we wait, respond, and react to Him and His works serves as a testimony of quieting our flesh and seeing how God will move in our lives.

          As for myself, I honestly don't pray ceaselessly about certain things, but just resign those things as God's will for me.  It's not that I don't think He's big enough to change those things, like my CMT, but I believe He designed me with it and has purpose in it.  So, I wait for the day that I'm truly free from it and all it's misery.  Until then, I will rejoice about all the other things God has blessed me with.

        



          


Tuesday, November 22, 2022

Everyone?

 


         I've started rereading the book, "Suffer Strong", because living with a disability in this physical world calls for encouragement.  We are all disabled in some way, seen or unseen.  We can't do this life on our own, we need each other and most of all, we need Jesus.

     The Bible was written and given for all peoples of this world.  The only condition to the reference of 'everyone' is that they believe in Jesus, as their Lord and Savior.  For example in Acts 10:43 "Of Him all the prophets bear witness that through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins.”"

        Who is 'everyone' to you?  Does it only include those who look like you, dress like you, or act like you?  'Everyone' is every other human on this planet.  Exclusions to 'everyone' are man-made discriminations and are from an ugly heart. 

         Often as part of the disabled community, we aren't always
included in the 'everyone' part of society. We may get overlooked, because someone feels too awkward to say 'Hi' or to even give a friendly nod.   We may have to go through the back door of a restaurant to get to our table, because there's not another accessible way to enter.   We may get a child's menu at a restaurant, because assumptions take over about size, stature and ability.  We often have to prove ourselves to others; as physically able, mentally fit and not an idiot.

       As for myself, I've gone thru different stages of disability throughout my life.  I am the same person at any stage of life  and I have confidence in that, but the discriminating people of my world see me differently.  To them I say, "Shame on you!"  They are not better than me, but are in a different place in life--for now.  I struggled for years pushing myself in my leg braces, but now I am in some ways wheelchair-bound but mostly I am wheelchair-free.  I go more places than most people, because my wheelchair allows me to go further than I could ever walk.  Jesus has promised that disability is only a temporary part of this life. 2 Corinthians 4:7-10 "  But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing;  persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;  always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. "  Yes, there are difficult times for all of us, seen as disabled or not, but how we respond to those times is the most important character trait of all.

       I challenge you to consider who fits into the  'everyone' in your life.


Thursday, November 17, 2022

My Comfort

 


     Yesterday in my daily reading, I came across a verse that spoke to my heart.  Psalms 119:50  "My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life."

     David's comfort here is the word of God.  Also the word 'comfort' is found in Job 6:10   "At least I can take comfort in this: Despite the pain, I have not denied the words of the Holy One."  We can find encouragement, solace and comfort from Scripture in all our circumstances in life.  The Holy Spirit not only speaks to us as believers, but guides us on our journey.   "What the Word has already done is to faith a pledge of what it shall yet do."

     From Matthew Henry's commentary, "    Here is David's experience of benefit by the word. 1. As a means of his sanctification: "Thy word has quickened me. It made me alive when I was dead in sin; it has many a time made me lively when I was dead in duty; it has quickened me to that which is good when I was backward and averse to it, and it has quickened me in that which is good when I was cold and indifferent." 2. Therefore as a means of his consolation when he was in affliction and needed something to support him: "Because thy word has quickened my at other times, it has comforted me then." The word of God has much in it that speaks comfort in affliction; but those only may apply it to themselves who have experienced in some measure the quickening power of the word. If through grace it make us holy, there is enough in it to make us easy, in all conditions, under all events."

     " In the season of affliction, and in the silent hours of the night, he remembers the name of the Lord, and is stirred up to keep the law. All who have made religion the first thing, will own that they have been unspeakable gainers by it."  [kingjamesbibleonline.com]

     As for myself, I do draw more and more from God's Word as I grow progressively weaker.  It makes me view the world in a different light and perspective.  To long to be absent from this body and to be with the Lord is my new prayer and wish to come.  The Holy Spirit helps me hang on, knowing God's timing is perfect for me.  The Bible gives much to look forward to and to let go of, as the affliction gets harder and harder to bear.  Phillipians 3:7-14  "Whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.  What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ  and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in[a] Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.  I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,  and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.  Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,  I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."  Revelation 21:3-4  "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.  ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

 

Thursday, October 13, 2022

Unnoticed

 

     Have you ever thought about how God feels about going unnoticed and unrecognized for all He has does for us?  

     One might think about how the the stay-at-home mom feels, who does countless things throughout the day to keep the house running but often goes unappreciated.  Without her work and efforts, there would be chaos.  She deserves a thank you and a spotlight of recognition.

     Jesus, however, deserves all honor and praise from us for everything!  From our very being to the promise of eternity and everything in between.  He covered every one of our sins, biggest to smallest, on the cross.  He sustains us, protects us, comforts us and most of all, loves us more than anything or anyone can.  Praising God helps us recall His goodness that never ends.

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your steadfast and unchanging love. 

Psalm 67  verses 1-5

May God be gracious to us and bless us

and make his face shine on us—

 so that your ways may be known on earth,

your salvation among all nations.

 May the peoples praise you, God;

may all the peoples praise you.

 May the nations be glad and sing for joy,

for you rule the peoples with equity

and guide the nations of the earth.

 May the peoples praise you, God; may all

     the peoples praise you.

 Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.

Hebrews 13:15

Wednesday, September 28, 2022

God's Benefits

 Psalm 103:2

"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits"



      Does your prayer life or daily talk with God ever leave out praise?  We can often be filled with desires, wants and needs from God, but forget to praise Him for his abundant goodness.  We are so blessed by Him everyday that we should give Him ceaseless thankfulness.  

          In Psalm 103, David tells himself to 'bless he Lord' six times and 'not to forget all of God's benefits'.  This blog is a reminder of the godly benefits that we sometimes forget or overlook in our lives. "The Lord’s “benefits” represent all the good things the Lord provides to aid or promote the well-being of His children."  [gotquestions.org]

          In Deuteronomy, Moses warned the people that forgetting God's benefits and goodness was the first step to spiritual destruction.   Deuteronomy 4:9  "Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them."


God's benefits are too numerous to count, but here are a few....


Psalm 103:3-6  "He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases.  He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things.  My youth is renewed like the eagle’s! The Lord gives righteousness and justice to all who are treated unfairly."

How wonderful to be cleared of all our wrongs!  How great is it to know that death isn't a fear and his love is fullof grace and mercy.  How awesome will it be to have our youthful energy and vigor again.  How great will it be to have our wrongs against us by others to be truly righted.


Colossians 1:13-14  " For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedomand forgave our sins."

How wonderful is God's forgiveness and that Jesus paid the painful price for our wickedness.  We are set free from our sin debt and can live in God's kingdom.


Psalm 63:3-4  "Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you.  So I will bless you, as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands."

How awesome is God's mercy and grace that it is better than the life we know. We should honor God all the days of our lives, as long as we have breath.


Psalm 103:8  "The Lord is merciful and gracious,

slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love."

How wonderful is God to be so patient and understanding with His children and shows His love over the course of our lives.


Hebrews 2:1-3  " Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.  For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard, while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will."

Paul warns us of not forgetting what we know to be true from all the evidence given to us, regarding our forgiveness and salvation.  God's will has allowed us to  know all we need to know for now, and that's enough.


As for myself, I can see, in hindsight, how much God has blessed my life in so many ways.  My trust in Him has been proven over and over.  Therefore, I fully trust Him with my future and eagerly await joining and walking with Jesus in eternity.




           

            

Thursday, August 18, 2022

Lord, I Need You

 


     Have you ever felt like your walk with Christ has hit a slump or even a detour and you feel a little lost?  God hasn't walked away from us, but we are the ones who have loosened our grip on His hand.  This is normal, because we are human.  This can happen for many different reasons: maybe you feel overwhelmed by unanswered prayers, maybe jealousy of others has got you feeling bitter, maybe others have made you feel leel left out of the body of the church, or for whatever reason that you feel that you're walkng life's journey alone.  You are not, God will never be the one to walk away.

       "God is and will forever be for you and not against you. Through the deepest trials, know that Jesus is with you and that He has already won the toughest battles for you. He asks that you simply trust in Him and know that He has always been there for you." [christiantoday.com]

     Romans 8:31-32  "If God is for us, who can be against us?  He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?"

      Romans 8:31-32, This verse gives us hope, not that we will always prevail, but that our eternal destiny and the love of God are secure. Though we may sufn'ter, we will not be destroyed. No matter how bad things seem, we must remember that “God is for us;” He loves us deeply. We are His children.

     As sufferers in this sinful world, when we don't walk closely with Jesus then we miss in engaging in all He has planned for us.  Christians are reminded that to be in Christ means we have “crucified the flesh with its passions and desires”   Galtians 5:24  " And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires."

     As for myself,  you've probably noticed that I haven't written a blog in quite a long time.  I just haven't felt like encouraging others, when the struggle to encourage myself is hard enough.  When we get in a rut, it's important not to stay there.  God has provided us resources to encourage us out of those deep valleys.  Others can tempt us to sin with their anger and unrighteous ways, but we have the ability to respond in the right or wrong way. I know I need to listen and follow the Holy Spirit within me, more than my flesh  I have been encouraged by sermons from my church and the summer bible study with my friends that I've had here in my home.  God is never the one to distance himself, we are the guilty ones.  I always feel better, when I'm hand and hand with the Lord.  The world is always trying to tempt and distract me off the path that God has planned and set out for me.

     


Saturday, June 4, 2022

A Job-Like Life



     Have you really ever thought about the life of Job in the Bible?  Most of us have learned that life is not only difficult, but often unfair.  So, was true of the life of Job.  He was definitely quite blessed, but there also came a time of definite hardship, suffering, grief and pain.  

      Eugene Peterson said, "It is not only because Job suffered that he is important to us.  It is because he suffered in the same ways we suffer-- in the vital areas of family, personal health, and material things.  Job is also important to us because he searchingly questioned and boldly protested his suffering.  Indeed, he went 'to the top' with his questions.  It is not the suffering that troubles us.  It is the undeserved suffering. "  [Charles Swindoll]

      Job was once an extremely wealthy man, full of prosperity, a godly gentleman, a fine husband and a faithful father.  In just a short time, he was hit with destructive calamities that were of no fault of his own.  Soon, he was left homeless, bankrupt, childless, and helpless.  He was urged by his understandably grief-stricken wife to turn his back on God and to curse God for what he had allowed to happen to Job.  Job 2:9-10  "His wife said to him, “Are you still maintaining your integrity? Curse God and die!” He replied, “You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?”

     Job's faith is an exemplary example of trust in God, no matter how difficult his circumstances became his trust never wavered.  He knew and believed in God's character; of goodness, love and trustworthiness.   Is your faith in God that steadfast?

     "Job realizes his pain was not permanent. With God, there is a way of escape. The suffering of this life is temporary and will end for those who trust in the Lord. After this life, there is eternal life with God in heaven for the believer. In fact, Jesus came to offer eternal life to all who would believe." [gotquestions.org]

     Many people can relate to Job's suffering on the page, but when you really endure it yourself then it becomes more real.  Did Job have caregivers to help both him and his wife out at home?  Who helped their children in the dying process?  Who took care of the living animals and the carcasses, as Job laid in bed in pain?  Did friends donate money to help their financial burdens, like food, utilities, or basic needs?  Job's story is more than just about him, but also about how other's responded in a 'love your neighbor' way. 

     "In short, Elihu condemns Job’s friends and Job’s claim of being without sin, declares God’s justice, condemns Job’s attitude toward God, and exalts God’s greatness.

     Elihu’s life and speech offer many insights for today. First, he dealt with the real issues of the situation rather than looking at the situation from a human perspective. Second, he emphasized God and His greatness rather than focus on a human response to problems. Third, he responded with respect, allowing others to speak first before offering his own response. These traits can help us today as we seek to understand why God allows suffering and as we attempt to help others who face suffering."  [gotquestions.org]

     As for myself, I have been greatly blessed in my life in a lot of ways like Job's life was.  Thru different life circumstances I, too,  have been stripped of physical health, material wealth, and independence.  I've had stressful family issues, in which some led to loss of loved ones.  Suffering involves much more than temporary physical pain.  There is an enlightenment in which I have seen God's hand working in my life.  Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."  This verse is so true in my life and it helps me to trust him even more on those hardest and darkest of days.  Psalm 118:1  "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever."

     

Tuesday, May 17, 2022

Worth The Effort-Part 2

 



     So, last week's blog kind of went in a different path than my original intent.  This week I want to follow up with verses that God uses to encourage us to put in the effort, when we doubt doing so.

Psalm 119:28
My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.
Galatians 5: 13-15  "You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.  For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other."
Galatians 5:17  "For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. "
Galatians 6:9-10  "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers."
Hebrews 10:23-25   "Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.  And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,  not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
     All of these verses, spur off of the command to 'Love one another' and to continue on.  As long as we have breath from God, we are to fulfill His plan thru the works that He gives us the opportunity to do.  We will doubt and grow weary, but He will sustain us thru His Word.  Finish your race strong.

Friday, May 13, 2022

Worth The Effort?

 



     Do you ever question the time and effort you put into things and people?  That's the devil knocking at your heart and conscience, saying 'it's not worth it'.  Life, along with its joys and highlights, also contains difficulties. Frustrations occur, illnesses come, and our health fails with time. Our bodies feel the signs that life on earth is not perfect and that we are not meant to be in this body for eternity.  Psalm 73:26  "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."  God encourages us to love, interact with and fellowship with our fellow man.  

     "In Psalm 73, the psalmist Asaph laments the unfairness he sees in the wicked prospering, seeming to have no struggles, and being free of care. Asaph’s heart failed within him as he couldn’t understand God’s ways. Many today also become frustrated at God for allowing good things to happen to bad people. But they must, like the psalmist, realize that their perspective is off. When Asaph “entered the sanctuary of God; then [he] understood their final destiny”. While some people appear to prosper without God, there are consequences for the wicked: eternal life in hell and earthly costs, too. Having an eternal perspective gives us hope even when “my heart may fail” in disappointment or frustration."  [gotquestions.org]

"Our flesh will fail; each of us will have to face death. Yet the believer has hope for eternity. Christian hope is rooted in the salvation and eternal life available through Christ. This hope does not disappoint because nothing can take our salvation and hope away, regardless of life’s circumstances." [gotquestions.org] 

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

Romans 5:5 "And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us."

     As for myself, I can get easily discouraged by people.  I can understand how non-believers see those who claim to be Christians as hypocrites.  Many people's talk and walk don't match up.  I support some in their talents, but yet I often get a snub in normal life.  I'm so thankful that my hope is founded in Jesus and not in people or this life here on Earth.  Wicked ways touch all of us, but we must choose to love anyway.  The devil seeks to divide and destroy our relationships, but with the love, like Jesus' in our lives, we can overcome.  My favorite  verse of encouragement...

2 Corinthians 4:16-18  "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For ithis light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."


Monday, April 25, 2022

Who Am I?

 


     Have you ever struggled with your identity?  Do you define yourself by your job, your school, your role in your house, or how?  Sometimes when we lose our role or job, we wrestle with who we are.  Our identity must be grounded in Jesus and following Him.

     "When I encounter the great I Am, that's when I discover who I am."  [M. Fry]

     Just like Moses struggled with his identity, when God sent him to speak to the Israelites, then Moses found his purpose.  Exodus 3:9-14 "And now the cry of the Israelites has reached me, and I have seen the way the Egyptians are oppressing them.  So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.” But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?”  And God said, “I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you[b] will worship God on this mountain.”  Moses said to God, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them? God said to Moses, “I am who I am.[c] This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I am has sent me to you.""

     Often we try to fill the void in our lives with the things of this world, but true satisfication comes from God alone.  "God can give you peace and purpose as you have a fresh encounter with the great I Am."  [M. Fry]

    Ephesians 3:20-21  "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."

     God not only gives enough, but He gives more than enough.  We need to worship and praise God first for who He is and not just for what He can give.  God is more than a Provider, He is our Sustainer. 

      Colossians 1:16 "For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him."

     As for myself,  I have been stripped of most of my titles that I have held in this world.  That's ok, because no one can take away or come between the love that Jesus has for me.  His plan and purpose for me will never fail.  In that, I rejoice..Amen!


Tuesday, April 5, 2022

The Wait

 



     We live in a world of instant gratification, so waiting isn't easy for any of us.  Waiting is hard, because we don't know long it will last.  Waiting is hard, because we aren't sure if we will get what we really want after the wait.  Waiting is hard, because we don't trust that whatever happens is for our good.  Waiting is hard, because we don't feel in control and forget that God is always in control.  Patient, confident trust in the Lord is the key to overcoming our impatience with waiting.

     In Psalm 27,  David expresses authentic faith and courageous trust in God, based on his confident expectation that the Lord will rescue and save him in his time of trouble.  [gotquestions.org]

     How do we wait on the Lord and His timing:

By Trusting in Him:  Trusting God conquers our fears and unhappiness.  We must rely on God to regain our sense of hope.   There is no one else that you can put your trust in, like God.  Psalm 27:1-3  " The Lord is my hlight and my salvation;jwhom shall I fear?  The Lord is the stronghold1 of my life;of whom shall I be afraid?  When evildoers assail me to keat up my flesh, my adversaries and foes, it is they who stumble and fall. Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident."

By Seeking Him:  When we tell God, how much we want to be in His presence and surrounded by His glory then we will feel closer to  Him,  When we search His word for direction, we will feel safer and more secure.   Psalm 27: 5-8  "For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent;he will lift me high upon a rock.  And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me, and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make melody to the Lord. Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud; be gracious to me and answer me!  You have said, “Seek my face.”My heart says to you, “Your face, Lord, do I seek."

By Prayer:  David asked God for wisdom, direction, and protection, wholly believing he would “see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living”.  When we talk with God in prayer, He hears our cries and pleas for help.  He doesn't put us off or ignore us.  He is always at work and answering us, according to His will.  Call upon the Lord.

     "Waiting on the Lord involves the confident expectation of a positive result in which we place a great hope. This expectation is based on knowledge of and trust in God. Those who do not know the Lord will not wait on Him; neither will those who fail to trust Him. We must be confident of who God is and what He is capable of doing. Those who wait on the Lord do not lose heart in their prayers: “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us” . Waiting on the Lord renews our strength . Waiting on the Lord by trusting, seeking, and praying establishes our faith and brings serenity and stability: “I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the LORD and put their trust in him” (Psalm 40:1–3). As this passage affirms, waiting on the Lord is also a testimony to others who will see our faith and, as a result, put their trust in God."  [gotquestions.org]

     As for myself, I've learned a lot about waiting on the Lord in my 50 years.  I feel like most waiting is related to the opening of human hearts to do what the Lord is calling them to do.  Whether you're on the giving or receiving end, we're all a part of the waiting game of life.  Phillipians 3:20-21  "Our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body:"    I think God surely waits on us, more than we wait on Him.  Jude 1:20 "But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life."