The waiting strategy

‘I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined to me, and heard my cry.’ Psalm 40:1 NKJV

When you’re up against a problem that seems too big for you or feel like you are ‘in over your head’ and you don’t know what to do or which way to go, use the waiting strategy. That’s the one David the psalmist used. And it worked for him: ‘I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined to me, and heard my cry. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my steps. He has put a new song in my mouth—praise to our God; … Blessed is that man who makes the Lord his trust … My ears You have opened’ (Psalm 40:1-4, 6 NKJV). Waiting is hard to do when you are anxious. And waiting patiently is even harder. Stop and think who you are waiting for—the Lord. He is Lord of every situation, including yours.

Waiting patiently can often lead to better outcomes. By disengaging and allowing yourself time to think and meditate on God’s Word, it gives you time to gather more information, seek guidance, and view the situation from a different perspective. Waiting patiently also reduces stress which means you’ll be able to think more clearly and make wiser choices rather than making a hasty decision that might complicate the situation further—think Abraham and Sarah. Waiting for God to work is the wise way. While you are waiting, He is working on your behalf.