During my recent trip to visit my sister and her family, I agreed to download a free game app on my phone for my then 7-year-old nephew. He was super excited that he was going to get to play the new game.
However, my phone was really slow so it was taking a long time for the game to download.
Thankfully, instead of getting impatient or complaining about the delay my nephew simply said, “Let’s sing a song while we wait.”
I was so impressed by his great attitude. I was also a bit convicted.
How many times have I had to wait on God for something and have not kept the right attitude? Sometimes the last thing I think about doing is singing!
Anyone else find it easier to complain, lament, doubt, get angry, frustrated, impatient, worry or become fearful, etc…Go ahead, be honest.
And yet lately, God has been impressing on my spirit that He wants me to rejoice even while waiting. In fact, in a sermon I heard recently the Pastor encouraged the congregation to “Praise Him through the process!”
Right! Why didn’t I think of that! There is so much power when you praise God despite what your circumstances look like! By faith, you can thank Him even before you see the victory.
There are so many instances in the Bible where the praise came before the win. I’m reminded of King Jehoshaphat. He had a vast army advancing towards him. After He fasted and sought the Lord, God assured Jehoshaphat that He would fight for him and His people.
“You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.’” (2 Chronicles 20:17).
How did Jehoshaphat respond? He and the people bowed down and worshiped God and the next morning, “After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying:
“Give thanks to the Lord,
for his love endures forever.” (2 Chronicles 20:21)
Notice, the worshipers went out ahead of the soldiers! As they began to praise and sing to the Lord, God sent ambushes against their enemies. (2 Chronicles 20:22)
I’m also reminded of Paul and Silas who were stripped, beaten with rods, flogged and shackled in prison. They had every reason to have a supreme venting session, pity party or to be downright depressed. What were they doing while they were waiting?
“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose.” (Acts 16:25-26)
There’s no telling what God will do as a result of hearing you praise Him!
So next time you find yourself waiting, I hope you will remember to sing songs unto the Lord, keep reading the Word and count your blessings, etc.. If you’re having trouble, ask God to help you be patient and grateful.
Keep your heart right and before you know it, you will be enjoying the fruit of your patience!
Let the rejoicing begin!
If this encouraged you, feel free to leave a comment below.
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What you described is exactly what most of us are not doing. We want to get there in a hurry, so we skip a few steps to make it to where we want to be sooner, and when we get there we find out we still have to wait because it was not our time to be there. By being in a hurry we could have missed someone’s blessing or someone to bless. We invented the microwave and yet we still burn the food. We invented the car and because of our impatience, we wind up in accidents which, sometimes, take our lives. At any rate, your words are encouraging to me. Thank you for sharing. I will surely try to be patient and grateful.