Waiting is not meant to be a static activity. It should involve our minds and our words. Waiting for God is, largely, active focus training.

“I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him.” (Psalm 40:1-3)

All of Psalm 40 speaks to this idea of active waiting. Some of the action items it encourages are:

  1. Wait patiently.
  2. Cry out.
  3. Be obedient.
  4. Tell others.
  5. Focus on God.
  6. Search for God.

As we engage in active waiting, God is also active. Here’s what Psalm 40 tells us God is up to while we’re actively waiting for him.

  1. He hears.
  2. He steadies.
  3. He gives focus.
  4. He rescues.
  5. He thinks about us.
  6. He helps.
  7. He saves.
  8. He meets us.

These truths – not my feelings, which are mostly based on my distracted focus and comparisons – are to be my reality. Lord, help me learn to actively wait for you!