Read: Psalm 130

I wait for the LORD, my soul waits for him, in his word is my hope. My soul waits for the LORD, more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning.
-Psalm 130:5-6

I may wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, but it’s never my first choice. As an adult convert to Christianity, early on I looked for, hoped for, presumed to expect, that God would answer my prayers right speedily or at least “in due time.” “In due time” meant, of course, before my limited patience gave out.

It’s a common enough outcome for people with experience in the faith: “Be careful when you ask for patience because God will then give you plenty of opportunities to practice it.” Yes, I’ve made that tactical error, and God met me there.

So, what I want to know now is, whose big idea was it to ask for patience in dealing with all the ordinary routines of life? Because I lay at your feet this pandemic, the splintered political situation, the drastic curtailing of moving about, the complications involved in communicating and gathering together, and so much more.

What a wonderful chance to practice patience!

My soul waits for the LORD, more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning…

Lord, we need your gift of patience and your strength to meet the challenges of every day. Thank you that you are walking our roads with us. Amen.
-Tom Worrell