Waiting For The Lord

Bible Reading: Psalm 40

“Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust, who does not turn to the proud, to those who go astray after a lie!” (Psalm 40:4)

It always feels good when we are able to take control of everything in our lives. For example, we work hard to be on top of our school work to achieve the best grades and secure our future. We maintain healthy relationships with others so that we can have people to rely on in the future. Maybe for those older who have started working, we work hard to save money to secure the days to come financially. Even when it comes to ministry, we serve earnestly to secure a place to be used by God and to satisfy a guilt that would otherwise deem our lives worthless. In essence, it is our nature to try and take control of things in our lives to survive and thrive in the future. 

We have all been given responsibilities which we must do. This includes doing our best in our studies, being a good friend and family member, working to earn a living, and serving God because of the grace He has first given us. We must not neglect these. However, we must also not take control over all these things in our life. 

All the blessings and security that we seek is ultimately grace from God. No one can financially secure their life. No one can guarantee the well-being of their future. No one can also ensure being used by God later in their lives. All this are grace, and we must view them as they are. Anything good is a gift from God. He is the source of all good, and apart from Him giving us blessings, we can have nothing good in our lives. 

If God were to take away all the blessings He has currently given us in our lives, what would we do? He could take away our education, friends, family, reputation, money, even ministry. Would we be willing to let them go? We don’t deserve any of them because we are sinful. We deserve to die eternally in hell because we are horrendous and disgusting sinners who deserve God’s wrath. 

If we dig down into the bottom of our hearts, we are trusting ourselves when we like to be in control. We have replaced God with ourselves as the source of good things. We think that with our own efforts, we can produce blessings and good things in our lives. We believe that if we work hard enough, then we will be successful. This does not imply we must not work hard. However, if our hard work yields blessings, these are God’s gifts. 

God may very well take away things we are not expecting. However, we must remember that God is good to His children. He never leaves or forsakes, and everything that He does is always for the good of His children. Who have we placed our trust in? Do we trust ourselves to deliver us from this calamity? Do we trust in ourselves to make everything better? 

As David puts his only hope and trust in God, let us put our only hope and trust in God. David testifies, “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” (Psalm 40:1-3). 

Our true security and comfort are only found when God is in control. Will we trust Him and let Him lead our lives? 

Lord, help us to trust in You alone. Forgive us when we have turned to control our lives for ourselves. Forgive us when we think that we can control and secure our future. All things are in Your hands, and You have a plan. Whatever may occur, you have planned us out. Your ways are not our ways, and Your wisdom is beyond comprehension. Lead our lives, Lord. We want to wait for You and trust in You. Thank You for Your faithfulness and unconditional love in Christ Jesus. In Jesus’ name, amen.