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Lamentations 3:25 The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him.
We had a few of our grandkids over the other night and they were all excited because our house is in the process of being decorated for Christmas. One was over playing at the artificial tree and yelled out, “Papa, look what I can do!” As I sped around the corner not sure what to expect, he said, “Look at all the fun settings we can do for the Christmas tree lights!” I was amazed! I had no idea the tree-lights had all those settings! One other grandchild was just staring at the grouping of nativity figurines we have (we have a bunch from all over the world). They said, “Papa, look there is baby Jesus!” And then she flung Joseph aside to cradle baby Jesus. The other grandchild was helping me assemble the toy monorail around the tree in the front room. He said, “Papa how are we going to put the presents around the tree with this monorail?” Then with a pensive stare at the tree said with a sigh, “I can’t wait to open presents. I can’t wait for Christmas.” I responded letting him know Christmas is all about waiting, and waiting can not only be fun, but good for you!?! He looked at me with a face that said, ‘I think the old guy has lost it.’ Seeing his expression, I said waiting is like another gift, you get to think of all the fun and joy and laughter and even the gifts you might get! Then we talked of past Christmases and all the fun we had with cousins and aunts and uncles and all the great gifts he got last year. I think he might have understood, but he has a lot of life ahead of him to get the good of waiting.
Yes, there is some good in waiting. Some great foods take time to prepare because the time allows the flavors to reach their best intensity. A grand celebration takes time to prepare so all the details are just right to bring about the best possible experience. An outstanding movie takes time to create an interesting story, assemble just the right actors, make an excellent sound score, and arrange the needed lighting and editing. The building of good godly character takes time and so does a solid faith. So yes, with wait, it’s a good thing. Actually, God is in the wait.
Psalms 27:14 Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!
Waiting is not easy, especially today in our instant culture with our instant food, quick travel, instant access, and immediate information. Many even get so frustrated when the wait is just a few more seconds for that video to load! Yet, there is a good in waiting.
Isaiah 40:31 But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength;they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary;they shall walk and not faint.
For as we wait, we are strengthened in our trust of God, and we can more courageously move on in life. For waiting gives us opportunity to think through the goodness of God, His love for us, His comforting character, and all the great and precious promises He has given us in the Bible. Taking the time in the wait then brings on a confidence that God will work out His best, and in that, He also works for our good. So yes, with wait, it’s a good thing. So maybe in times of waiting, take a moment and instead of fretting over getting things faster, maybe take the time to think about how Amazing and Wonderful and Majestic and Awesome God is. Waiting can be a good thing.
Church is a place where we can learn about God so that we can maybe have His insights in times of waiting. If you do not already have a church you attend, we would like to invite you to view or visit Neighborhood Church. We have an amazing Christmas season planned with a teaching series called, “Wait, It’s Christmas.” We would love for you to connect with us! Our websitehas all the information you need for times and locations of all our Sunday gatherings. You can also find us online at neighborhoodchurch.com. As well, if you would like to view any of our past worship gatherings or videos, visit our YouTube channel, or just search Neighborhood Church Cypress or Neighborhood Church Los Alamitos on their YouTube site.
Finding the good in waiting along with you,
Mike McKay, Lead Pastor, Neighborhood Church
