The days seem like they turn into weeks, and into months, and into years. You've been praying about that one request for so long. How much longer do I have to wait, Lord? I'm so tired and weary. I don't think I can hold out any longer. I just want this one thing so badly.
During these times, God asking us to wait might seem like it's impossible. The desires in our hearts are like a fire that cannot be quenched. It might seem like we know better. "But why? Why is this necessary?" We ask, over and over in prayer. It can really feel like a desert.
Now that I'm halfway finished with my first semester of my senior year of college, it seems like there are a lot of loose ends that need to be tied up. Some of these came way sooner than others, as it seems like I just got here for my freshman year. I just want to be finished with school already. I'm going to need a job. My boyfriend needs a job. We want to get married. How long do we have to wait for this, dear Lord? Where are you in the midst of our search?
Ecclesiastes 3:3-8 is one of my favorite passages in these times of trouble, and it goes like this:
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.
There truly is a time for everything. We are put through this season of waiting in order to make us stronger, and to remind us that God Himself is the answer to all of our worries. He alone can fulfill our hearts and make us truly happy and at peace. Even when these moments of waiting are over, there are going to be more things to wait for. It's a never-ending cycle, and that's life.
Instead of moping through these seasons of waiting, it's good to rejoice in the positive and be truly grateful.
Gratitude is our remedy to the waiting.
Instead of worrying about the future, I could rejoice in the fact I still have one amazing year left at the University of Dayton. There are so many things to be grateful for if one can open their eyes to all of the blessings right in front of them. It helps tremendously to be mindful, remembering that God is present in every moment. Studies show that gratitude can slowly start to take the mind off of anxious thoughts and place them in the present.
Try to take some moments today to rejoice in the waiting period, and remember that all of this time will make the thing you are waiting for so much sweeter.
“I know now, Lord, why you utter no answer. You are yourself the answer. Before your face questions die away. What other answer would suffice?” - C.S Lewis
