Encouragement for Today

June 30, 2023 While You Wait TRACIE BRAYLOCK Lee en español

“I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.” Psalm 130‬:5‬ (NIV)‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

The phone hanging on the waiting-room wall is used by families to call into the operating room, acting as a lifeline for those wanting to know what’s taking place.

As the operating-room nurse, I’d often answer the phone and hear a concerned voice on the other end requesting information about their loved one’s condition.

“Excuse me, doctor, the family would like an update,” I’d say.

Often, the response would be something like, “Everything is proceeding as expected.”

Because of these experiences, I’ve developed a great deal of empathy for those waiting for answers, for those who simply want to know their loved ones are safe and still in good hands.

I’m also keenly aware of the work taking place in the operating room that very few get to witness. The spaces being surgically opened, cleaned out, newly constructed and masterfully stitched back together. The work that relieves pain, mends wounds, makes way for healing, and ensures living this life remains possible.

You see, sometimes, for those on the other end of the phone, the information that everything is proceeding as expected is enough to calm their obvious concern and curiosity. Other times, this answer isn’t enough. The person standing in the waiting room wants more detail, certainty or even a definitive timeline.

Maybe these people have been in the waiting room so long that they've noticed others, who had previously been waiting with them, have left. Others’ prayers seem to have been answered. Others’ operations have already been completed. Others have gotten to move on while they are still waiting and pacing the floor.

My friend, if you find yourself in one of life’s waiting rooms — watching and wondering when you’ll get to move on — I encourage you to focus your attention on this passage of Scripture: “I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope” (Psalm 130:5).

You don’t have to spend another moment doubting, worrying or pacing the floor. You and your whole being can wait for the Lord as you redirect your attention and put your hope in His Word.

Even though it seems like you’ve been waiting for so long and there’s no end in sight, know that everything is proceeding as He expected. You don’t need the details or a definitive timeline to know that God will keep every promise He has made concerning you and your future. He is opening doors, cleaning out debris, constructing new paths and masterfully stitching together more than you could imagine.

You may not be standing in the operating room of your situation, able to see what’s happening or witness the process firsthand, but you can trust that God is moving on your behalf, and the work is indeed taking place.

Dear God, in Your Word I put my hope. My whole being waits for You, oh Lord, and I thank You for the work You’re actively doing in my life. I trust that whether or not I can see what’s taking place, it will all work for my good and Your glory. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

OUR FAVORITE THINGS

Sometimes God’s protection comes in packages that don’t feel like protection. So what do we do when we find ourselves wondering where Jesus is in our situation? Check out this YouTube video: “How Can I Believe God Protects Me When Tragedy Strikes?” with Lysa TerKeurst and Dr. Joel Muddamalle. This video will walk through places in Scripture that show us the unlikely places where Jesus’ protection is actually present. We’ll learn that just because we can’t see what God is doing, it doesn’t mean He is not working. Just because we feel afraid, it doesn’t mean we have to live afraid.

ENGAGE

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FOR DEEPER STUDY

Habakkuk 2:3, “For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay” (NIV).

Psalm 27:14, “Wait for and confidently expect the LORD; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for and confidently expect the LORD” (AMP).

What have you been waiting for God to do in your life? How would your life change if you put your hope in God’s Word? We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments.

© 2023 by Tracie Braylock. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries
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Matthews, NC 28106
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