The Upper Room devotional reflection for Wednesday, July 13, 2022 comes to us from Elizabeth Livingston of Maharashtra, India.
1 Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord; 2 Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy. 3 If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand? 4 But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you. 5 I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope. 6 I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning. 7 Israel, put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with him is full redemption. 8 He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins.
Psalm 130:1-8 NIV
“Joyfully Waiting”
Before my husband left on a recent trip, he promised our five-year-old son that he would return soon. For the next few days, our son would jump every time he heard the sound of our front gate opening. He would run to me and say, “Papa came!” Each time I would tell him that it was not his dad but our neighbor who opened the gate. But our son wouldn’t get disappointed. He knew that maybe the next time it would be his dad. And after five long days of waiting, it was his dad who opened the gate. Our son’s joy knew no bounds as he jumped into his papa’s arms.
How I wish to have such faith in my heavenly Father – a faith that joyfully waits, that is confident and determined, and that finds what it seeks. When we experience a season of waiting, we can hold on to God’s promises and remain steadfast in our faith. Holding on to hope, we can trust in God’s love for us and know that our faith is not in vain.
Friends –
I have never been a patient waiter, especially in line or on hold, and the advent of the cell phone and the games it brings to distract me is evidence of that impatience. But waiting in more difficult circumstances can be very difficult. This young one teaches us that waiting with joy, even with patience, can be rewarding and faith-filled. When we trust God as we wait and we let joy abide in our soul, the waiting becomes more bearable. I invite you to consider what you focus on when you are waiting, especially in difficult circumstances.
--Pastor bea
Prayer:
Dear Father, please help us to wait on you knowing that you are a faithful and loving God. Amen.
--Elizabeth Livingston
Prayer Focus: Those Who Travel for Work
Thought for the Day: When I have confidence in God, even my waiting can be joyful.