Janet was fussing at her children. Well, actually, she was fuming. But the reason for her upset had nothing to do with the kids. She was in charge of planning a special luncheon for the ladies at church. Two women had not yet called her back to confirm that they had their responsibilities taken care of. Suppose one or both of them couldn’t come through! What was she going to do? Janet was worried and stressed and she didn’t have time for any drama with kids.
Everyone believes that worry is not a good thing. Worry increases stress and leads to anxiety. Worry makes us less pleasant to be around, just like Janet. We know this. Yet we still worry.
If worry is not good, what should Janet do instead? Simply saying “don’t worry” is empty and not helpful. The answer is learning to patiently wait on God. The opposite of worry is waiting. If you learn anything in the Bible it is that tomorrow is uncertain. No one knows what tomorrow will bring in terms of events and circumstances. But what God’s people do know is that God will be faithful to do what he has planned and promised, always.
Listen to what the psalmist says about waiting in Psalm 130:5-7:
I am counting on the Lord;
yes, I am counting on him.
I have put my hope in his word.
I wait for the Lord
more than sentries long for the dawn,
yes, more than sentries long for the dawn.
O Israel, hope in the Lord;
for with the Lord there is unfailing love.
His redemption overflows.
This is not a passive waiting. The psalmist’s concept of waiting on God is closely connected to the Holy Spirit’s fruit of patience. Patience is living in the expectation of God’s care. This is what the psalmist is expressing. He is counting on God!
It is true that you and I do not know the particulars about tomorrow, but we can wait in eager expectation that God will be faithful to his word no matter what happens. You and I can count on God. Is that enough for you?
God has promised that he will love you—Is that enough for you?
God has promised that vengeance is his and he will repay — is that enough for you?
God has promised that he will turn sorrow into gladness — is that enough for you?
God has promised that he will never leave you or forsake you — is that enough for you?
God has promised that if you seek first his kingdom, he will give you all you need — is that enough for you?
You can replace worry and anxiety with waiting on your God! Waiting upon the faithfulness of God turns life into a journey of trust and hope. God’s redemption does overflow. And that, Christian, is more than enough!