Text: Psalm 119:81-88
Key Verse- “I am worn out from waiting for you to keep your word. When will you have mercy?” vs 82 CEV
Trusting and waiting are very related. The more we can trust, the more we can wait; the less we can trust, the less we can wait. Waiting for (or on) God is more than fasting, it requires time that cannot be predetermined. Waiting on God to fulfil His promise over a certain need in one’s life is often not pleasurable. People like Sarah and Abraham waited for the fulfilment of God’s promise, Joseph in Egypt, Israel under Pharaoh, many times Israel in the times of the Judges when they rebelled against God’s Laws and were sold under foreign kings etc. Contemporary men and women have waited for different things trusting God. The longer it takes, the less likely it seemed God’s promise would be fulfilled. Many triumphed and celebrated at the end-when God performed His word, but some gave up because of weariness, doubts and pressure from outsiders.
Here, the message of the Psalmist comforts us that we are not alone in our waiting periods. He also had waited long for God’s visitation; he made searches by questioning; When? How long will it take for God to fulfill His word? He wondered how long before God will vindicate him and deliver him from the proud people who persecuted him? This could be happening in the family, neighborhood, workplace, anywhere? He was concerned that he might not live to see God’s help. But in all of these, one thing he would not fail to do was to let go of his trust in God. Like Job, who in his trials said, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him…” Job 13:15, the Psalmist too would not yield to distrust in God because of a difficult circumstance.
Notice that the Psalmist did not give any assurances that God would come through, only a prayer- a constant one- “Because of your constant love be good to me, so that I may obey your laws” vs 88.
Because our times are in God’s hands Ps 31:15; and we are created for His pleasure Rev 4:11; we cannot instruct Him. But we can continue to trust, and in prayer make our supplications to Him who is good and all-wise.
Are you weary of waiting? Are you tired of trusting? Let this be your encouragement: “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.” Ps 43:5. Amen.
Prayer– LORD revive my soul that I may praise you again. Amen!