The third chapter of Ecclesiastes begins with “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:” We often have a plan, our own mental movie starring us and others who figure prominently in our lives. In our movie, we write scenes and timelines, develop our plans, and are deeply disappointed when delays occur. Waiting on God is a bold, spiritually mature, and worthy endeavor. Waiting on God is excellent in theory, but far more difficult in practice. Psalm 27:14 advises that we “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!”

Instead of deferring to God’s divine timeline through His all-seeing and all-knowing filter of wisdom, we want what we want, when we want it. When situations do not occur according to our timeline, it seems that we are more likely to question God instead of ourselves. Although Proverbs 3:5 tell us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not into your own understanding.” We are often guilty of viewing the world through our needs and desires instead of seeking God’s will for our lives. God is not interested in torturing nor discouraging us. He wants us to live a life of abundance. John 10:10 says “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” God also wants to bless us with wonderful gifts. In fact, He wants to give us the desires of our heart. James 1:17 says “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” Psalm 37:4-5 tells us to “4 Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. 5 Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.” When the Bible speaks of God’s benefits, it is preceded with instruction. All too often, we focus on the benefit, such as receiving the desires of our hearts, because it aligns with our will instead of the instruction based on God’s will.

The key to trusting in God’s timing is to focus on our relationship with God and obedience to His will, instead of a specific result or timeframe according to our will. To trust God is to glorify God. Our Heavenly Father wants to us to cultivate a relationship and build an atmosphere of trust with Him. As we seek His face and His will, God also wants to guide us toward being who He designed us to be, and to bless His kingdom in specific ways. The key to trusting in God’s timing lies in our relationship with Him. The ability to patiently wait on the Lord is a byproduct of a deeper level of trust with our Creator.  It means releasing our pre-conceived notions and plans to defer to God’s plan which is far greater and ultimately more beneficial. Isaiah 40:31 reminds us “But they who wait for 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.”