Welcome back! This is the last day of this devotional and we are so happy that you stuck with us throughout this journey. In the previous days we discovered why we had to wait, for what and for whom we are waiting, how long and where to wait, and we believe that the Holy Spirit ministered to you during those days and transformed the way you perceive waiting on the Lord. Now that we are more familiar and comfortable with the idea of waiting on the Lord, we want to discuss what to do while waiting, in other words, how to wait according to the Bible. 

“Be still, and know that I am God” -Psalm 46:10 

It is in stillness – in quietness and calm – that God wants us to wait on Him. We are not to be stressed or hyperactive, neither are we to be inactive and lazy. Instead, we are to be intentional in selecting what we do while we wait and ensure that it draws us closer to the One we are waiting on: the Lord.

While I’m waiting, I will rejoice, pray, and be thankful

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – I Thessalonians 5: 16-18

While we are waiting, we will receive the joy of the Lord that the world can neither give nor take away. As we pray, we enjoy God’s presence as He promised to always be with us when we are in the secret place. As we persevere in thanksgiving and praise, we remind ourselves of God’s faithfulness. He is Ebenezer, who has been with us thus far; He has never failed us and He won’t start now.

While I’m waiting, I will meditate on the Word of God

“Praise be to you, Lord; teach me your decrees. With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth.I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.” -Psalm 119: 12-16

Our waiting season is a time to dive into the Word of God, to memorize and proclaim it, to value it like great riches, to ponder on it and delight in it. To never neglect it. The word of God is a light unto our path, a much needed light when our waiting season becomes darker.

While I’m waiting, I will fast

“Can you make the friends of the bridegroom fast while he is with them? But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; in those days they will fast.” -Luke 5: 34-35

In this illustration, He is the bridegroom and the disciples are the friends. While He was still on earth, He was with His friends but when He was taken away, He says “in those days they will fast”. We fast when we feel far away from the groom, from our friend. We fast while we are waiting for His glorious return and final victory over death. Fasting is exactly what we ought to do while we wait, according to Jesus. Fasting is much more than abstaining from food, it is crucifying the flesh to strengthen our spirit. To learn more about the kind of fasting that pleases God, read Isaiah 58.

While I’m waiting, I will surround myself with godly people

“Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”” – I Corinthians 15:33. You might have experienced it already, feeling coerced to do something you would not have done naturally just because of peer pressure. Peer pressure in of itself is not bad; what makes it bad is when we are surrounded by the wrong peers, who will motivate us to do destructive things rather than ones that build us up. The Bible encourages us to pursue God with others who do the same with pure hearts. What does it mean practically? Ask God to lead you into a local church, where you will join a godly circle of friends. Do not limit yourself to joining Sunday services but get more involved. What about joining bible studies, prayer meetings or volunteering to serve in your church? You will be surprised by what the Holy Spirit will do in and through you.

“Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” -II Timothy 2: 22

To conclude, we want to leave you with this tale: Consider a farmer who has a field and is waiting for the rainy season to come. He does not know when the rain will come, however, while He is waiting for the rain, He gets ready by working the ground, preparing the soil, planting the seeds etc. While you are waiting, do the same. Prepare your life so that when the heavenly rain will pour down upon you, it might bear good fruit.

Prayer: 

Father God, You have been faithful to me. While I’m waiting on You, give ear to my supplication and answer my call. This waiting season sometimes frustrates me, but You teach me Your patience, and remind me that You are ever present in times of need to help me. Please, Lord, sustain my spirit, body, and soul, and uphold me with Your righteous hand, that I will not grow weary of waiting and not fall into any temptation. Keep Your eyes on me, O God, as You guide me daily through every season of my life. In Jesus Christ’s name, I pray. Amen!