Patient and Expectant

David found himself in “a horrible pit [of tumult and of destruction].” In this terrible place, he cried out to God, hoping to be freed from the “miry clay.” But the answer didn’t come as quickly as he had hoped.

As these unpleasant conditions lingered, David could have given up or become discouraged. Instead, he “waited patiently and expectantly,” really believing that God would deliver him.

As David realized, waiting can be difficult. Looking around, it can seem that nothing has changed, that our prayers have not been answered. It can take great faith to wait expectantly. To continue to believe in God.

If we find ourselves waiting for answers, we can turn to David’s account and see how God rewarded his patient waiting. David discovered that God had established him on a stable place. He even changed his heart, putting “a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God.”

David realized that he went through this process as a testimony to others. As a result of his experiences, others could “trust confidently in the Lord.” He could testify about “the wonderful works” God had done. How “there is none to compare with You.” How His wonders were “too many to count.”

He also was reminded how much he delighted to do God’s will. He loved to tell others about God and the joy he felt when obeying Him. In each circumstance he could look to God for protection and deliverance. His cry was, “Let all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You.” That all who love Him continually say, “The Lord be magnified!”

Today, in the midst of your circumstances, remember that you can cry out to God. Remember that He is your help. Make sure you wait patiently and expectantly for His answers, confident that He hears when you cry.