Quietly Wait

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"Quietly Wait" By Diane Webb

Lamentations 3: 26—"It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord."

Waiting and waiting quietly are two different things. Some of us are in situations we do not like and are making decisions which will, hopefully, lead to a positive change. In the meantime, we need to avoid grumbling or complaining about the situations we are still in. It's good to hope for something better and to seek changes for our own good but we need to be patient as the opportunity may not come right away. When opportunities are present, we can pursue them with hope of a better future without verbally downgrading our present position. We should also not boast of these opportunities and not use them as an excuse to gripe. We can pray for deliverance from bad situations and God will respond. It is not always evident right away that God has answered our prayers. We, therefore, need to be patient and not declare God has said "no" too soon. As humans, we tend to be impatient and once we have made a decision to leave a situation, we want it to happen quickly—in our time. God, however, may move a little slower than we would like. Patiently waiting will help you avoid creating even more of a bad situation than you already have. Let's look at Daniel 9: 23 and 10: 12 & 13 for a good example. Daniel had fasted and prayed to God for the people of Israel and for understanding of the visions he was experiencing. Daniel 9:23 indicates an instant answer through the angel Gabriel: "At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to show thee: for thou art greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter and consider the vision." However, in 10: 12 & 13, Daniel has to wait 21 days before receiving his answer by way of the angel Michael. "Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thy heart to understand and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days; but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia." During the 21 day waiting period, Daniel hoped for an answer to his prayer and continued to fast and pray while waiting. He did not give up the second time when he did not get the immediate response he had gotten before. He, obviously, knew God would answer him either way. On the surface, 21 days does not seem like a long time to wait for God to answer a prayer. Look at it from Daniels point of view. He remained without food and did not cease to pray for 21 days. Picture yourself not eating and remaining in a prayerful body position (on your knees or prostrate on the floor) for three weeks. Daniel never stopped prayer. Because he was praying, he did not have time to fuss and complain about his situation. He remained hopeful the entire time. This is the example God gives us on waiting for his answers. Looking at the prophecy in Daniel—the answer Daniel actually received, he was promised salvation through the messiah—Jesus Christ. Daniel did not get to experience Jesus Christ in his own lifetime. He received understanding after 21 days but the actual fulfillment of the prayer was long after his death on earth. Always know your prayers will be answered. The timing may not be as you expect or hope. However, do not grumble and complain. Do not get discouraged. Understand, just as Daniel did, that salvation will come.

Dear heavenly Father, once again I pray for patience. Help me to quietly wait for your salvation to the troubles I face today. Help me endure with silence and remind me to pray my way through. Thank you for the hope you give me through Jesus Christ. In His name I pray, Amen.