David fled into the cave, hiding for his life. His pursuer, none other than the crazy King Saul himself wandered into the cavern. In a rare moment of vulnerability, the king let down his guard as he prepared to relieve his bodily functions. This is your chance, David’s associates urged. You can kill him now!
But David didn’t.
I am simple amazed when reading 1 Samuel 24 about King David and his patience with Saul. I read about his experience of Saul chasing down David, trying to take his life, and marvel that when David had ample opportunity to kill Saul, he didn’t. I’m not so sure I would have been nearly so patient. I might have been tempted to think like David’s associates: maybe God orchestrated this moment so you could kill Saul!
Yet David had a conviction upon him that he should not harm God’s anointed- even though Saul repeatedly attempted to harm him.
We are instructed in Psalm 37:7, “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.” David sure nailed that one. There is blessing in the obedience. Isaiah reminds us in Isaiah 30:18, “Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore, he will rise up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!” When we wait on Him, He does what is just and right. And often, He cares for the situation way better than we might ever author.
In the wait, we can be sure that the Lord is listening. Maybe you’re like me and struggle to wait. First, I don’t want to wait. I want things to happen on my timeline and my timeline is NOW. Second, when I have managed to wait just a bit, I get easily frustrated. Just like a toddler, my mind screams, It’s taking too long!
A more becoming mindset would be that of Psalm 3:5, “In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.”
Expectantly. Not impatiently, which I have perfected.
Expectantly: anticipating that the Lord will do it.
Expectantly: believing it will happen without a doubt.
Expectantly is anticipating, believing, and yes waiting for His perfect timing. Trusting that He knows best. That He will do what is right and just and best for me. Even if it’s a bad situation, that somehow, some way, He will redeem even this- in His timing.
Like Psalm 37:7 says, I do not need to fret. I only need to wait on the Lord.
By waiting on Him, I will be blessed. (Isaiah 30:18)
All I need to do is ask and wait expectantly. (Psalm 5:3)
That’s all He wants from me. That’s all He wants from you. What a relief that we don’t nee to figure it out! We just need to surrender it to Him.
Surrendering isn’t always easy- but in Philippians 4:19, He promises He will supply all our needs. He will help us to surrender something to Him if we ask.
Maybe you, like me, need help surrendering something or someone to Him. Maybe you, like me, need help in expectantly believing He has even this. He’ll supply the faith we need if we ask for his help.
Will you join me in doing just that?
Prayer: Dear Lord, please help me to surrender all things to you. Please help me learn to wait expectantly. With anticipation, believing You have even this, and You will act in Your perfect timing. I trust Your promise to supply my needs as I draw closer to You. Thank You, In Jesus’ name, Amen.