Still Waiting

You may have noticed a theme to my last few posts. It has not been intentional on my part; I just share what God has been sharing with me. Recently that has been the message to wait. Yesterday was no different. I turned on Pandora so that I could have some music while I was cooking. If you don't know how Pandora works, it randomly selects songs that it thinks you will like, based on songs you have indicated you liked in the past. First song up: Everlasting God, by Chris Tomlin. Here are the lyrics: "Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord. We will wait upon the Lord. We will wait upon the Lord." Hmm...waiting - imagine that!

Last night's devotions were also on waiting. The prevalence of this theme is uncanny! Below is the poem included in last night's reading, a poem I first read in college.

Sit still, my daughter! Just sit calmly still!
Nor deem these days - these waiting days - as ill!
The One who loves thee best, who plans thy way,
Hath not forgotten thy great need today!
And, if He waits, 'tis sure He waits to prove
To thee, His tender child, His heart's deep love.

Sit still, my daughter! Just sit calmly still!
Thou longest much to know thy dear Lord's will!
While anxious thoughts would almost steal their way
Corrodingly within, because of His delay -
Persuade thyself in simple faith to rest
That He, who knows and loves, will do the best.

Sit still, my daughter! Just sit calmly still!
Nor move one step, not even one, until
His way hath opened. Then, ah then, how sweet!
How glad thy heart, and then how swift thy feet
Thy inner being then, ah then, how strong!
And waiting days not counted then too long.

Sit still, my daughter! Just sit calmly still!
What higher service could'st thou for Him fill?
'Tis hard! ah yes! But choicest things must cost!
For lack of losing all how much is lost!
'Tis hard, 'tis true! But then - He giveth grace
To count the hardest spot the sweetest place.
(J. Danson Smith)

I especially love the second stanza. Even though we long to know God's will and do it, sometimes He waits to reveal it to us. We must fight against the anxious thoughts that threaten to overwhelm us and trust that God is still working and working for our good. I have an anxiety disorder and struggle a lot with thoughts and fears that make no logical sense. It is my prayer that I will rest in God during these times, that He will calm my heart and focus my mind on Him alone, so that even in the struggle I can count His blessings and see His face.