The Weekly Encourager – December 15, 2017 – Joy in Waiting

I recently heard a sermon about Advent as a season of waiting. In fact, our whole lives on this earth are a season of waiting, and Advent is just an annual reminder of this truth.

What are you waiting for? Are you waiting to meet that special someone? Are you waiting to find a job, or a place to live, or a church home? Are you waiting to finish a degree or a major task? Are you waiting for recognition, approval, or acceptance? Are you waiting for friendship? Are you waiting for an apology? Are you waiting for justice and vindication? Are you waiting for healing? Are you waiting to finally conquer some besetting sin? Are you waiting for grief to abate after the loss of loved ones? Are you waiting for death?

In this world we struggle with trouble and suffering. We have broken bodies and broken relationships and broken finances and broken governments. We want it all to be fixed, right now! But God says, wait, My child, as a weaned child rests on his mother's breast. If we let tragedy get to us, we'll be sucked down into a dark, stagnant pond of despair. But the gospel brings us such hope! The people walking in darkness – you and I – have seen a great light, and that Light is Jesus. He is God's Son who came to live a holy life and to die a holy death for His people. He's the One we're waiting for, for He alone can free us from sin and all its terrible consequences.

We're all waiting for someone or something in our lives to change for the better. But how do we wait for these things that seem to take forever? King David had the same question: “How long, O Lord?” and the answer was, “But I have trusted in Thy lovingkindness; my heart shall rejoice in Thy salvation. I will sing to the Lord, because He has dealt bountifully with me.” - Psalm 13:1, 5-6. David's in trouble, but he takes time to remember that the Lord has been good to him already. The way of waiting is prayer and praise. It is thankfulness and joyfulness. People have asked me, how do I get thankfulness and joyfulness when I don't have what I'm waiting for? Here's the answer: You have all you need already. “Faith comes by hearing, and that by the word of God.” You get faith by learning God's word, resting on Jesus, and asking the Holy Spirit for faith to believe in His promises.

In one sense, this life is just one big waiting room. If you've ever taken a little toddler (a weaned child) somewhere and asked him to wait an hour, you have a picture of how we must appear to God. Will the child whine, get angry, be sad, or have a meltdown? Will she rebel and try to escape the room? Will he destroy property or hit other people out of frustration and boredom? Or will the child cheerfully accept the waiting as an opportunity to be productive, or maybe see an extra chance to cuddle with her beloved parent? The wise parent will plan ahead to make the best use of the waiting time, by bringing little puzzles, games, coloring books, or story books to keep the child occupied. The good parent will stay nearby to direct the child's thoughts and activities. The loving parent will reassure the child that good things are coming. God our Father has provided all of this and more for us.

“God rest ye merry, gentlemen; let nothing you dismay. Remember Christ our Savior was born upon this day, to save us all from Satan's power when we were gone astray. O tidings of comfort and joy!” We are to rest merry, in other words, wait with joy, be at peace until Christ comes again. Remember, you can't expect to have joy if you're not regularly in the word. Here are some promises to consider while you wait.

“You should have as little real desire for this world as a dead person does. Your real life is in heaven with Christ and God. And when Christ who is our real life comes back again, you will shine with him and share in all his glories.” - Colossians 3:3-4

“Trust him all the time. Pour out your longings before him, for he can help.” - Psalm 62:8

“No good thing will He withold from them that walk uprightly.” - Psalm 84:11

“Every good thing the Lord had promised to them came true.” - Joshua 21:45

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.” - Revelation 21:4

“There is no question that he will do what he says.” - Hebrews 10:23

“Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words remain forever.” - Matthew 24:35

“Surely I have composed and quieted my soul; like a weaned child rests against his mother, my soul is like a weaned child within me.” - Psalm 131:2

So what are you waiting for? Now would be a good time to thank our good God who has dealt bountifully with you.

Wishing you comfort and joy in this season of waiting.
God is faithful,
j