Waiting With a Happy Heart

“But those who wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31 NKJV

Is waiting hard? YES!

Is waiting with a happy heart harder? ABSOLUTELY!

Waiting is my least favorite thing to do. And I must admit, sometimes the thoughts which march through my mind as I wait do not reflect a happy heart.

“I don’t have time for this!”
“I need an answer now!”
“I want to do this now!”
“This isn’t fair!”
“Why should I have to wait?”
“This is such a waste of time.”
“Hurry up!”
“It’s going to be too late if things don’t work out soon!”

There’s no peace or happiness in those thoughts, only strife and sadness.

God’s promise to those who wait on Him is that they will renew their strength.

I have to remind myself from time to time that God knows better than I do what I really need. When He says it’s time to be still and wait, then there’s a reason.

Sometimes when I’ve had to wait it’s because I needed to grow in my knowledge and understanding of what God wanted me to do.

Sometimes I’ve had to wait because it wasn’t the right time for what I wanted to do or wanted to happen, either because I wasn’t ready or because someone else wasn’t ready.

Sometimes I’ve had to wait because God wanted to deepen my faith and trust in Him.

So, how does one wait with a happy heart? Get involved in activities that cause you to be happy while you wait.

Pray, asking God to show you what He wants you to see and understand about the situation.
Sing praises and give thanks for where you are in life and what God has given you.
Think about the other times in your life when God has been faithful and true.
Do something kind and uplifting for someone in need.

Philippians 4:6-9 tells us the secret to waiting with a happy heart -
think on these things::
whatever things are true
whatever things are noble
whatever things are just
whatever things are pure
whatever things are lovely
whatever things are of good report
anything that is a virtue
anything that is praiseworthy

…and the God of Peace will be with you.

My Prayer:

Jesus, please help me to remember what to think on when You call for me to wait. Help me to busy myself with things that will make my heart happy while I wait on You.

Thank you for the strength that You give to those who are willing to wait on You with a happy heart.

Visit Sherry at: Where the Road Leads Weekly.