I recall a story about a pilot in World War Two. He was zooming over the Pacific Ocean when he said: “I’m lost! I have absolutely no idea where I’m going. But I’m making record time.”

It sounds like a commentary on modern living. Many people seem to be lost. They’re not sure where they’re going, but they certainly are making record time!

Psalm 62:1 presents a counter-cultural contrast: “For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation.”

We can’t force God’s hand. We can’t rush it or him. And I truly think that there are times when having to wait is actually a gift God gives to us. It teaches us that he is in charge (not us), that patience is a virtue we need to cultivate so that we can live life well (especially when it’s hard), and that we should more readily appreciate everything he has already given to us (instead of just taking everything for granted).

In the “age of now” we don’t like to wait. But we don’t always have a choice, do we? 

The other day I was feeling overwhelmed by my to-do list. So I said a prayer… and took a nap!

“Teach us, Lord, that you are in charge.
Help us cultivate patience and gratitude.
Slow us down when we are addicted to rushing. 
Remind us to trust your eternal plan more than our temporary schemes,
and that our scurrying wants are less important than your sacred Way.”

“For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation.”

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Notes:

–My latest PODCAST is called “Human Trafficking: Evil, online risks and how to help – a talk with Mikhaela Gray-Beerman.” We talk about the problem, trends, serious online risks (especially for youth), and how to help. Click here to listen, or look for ‘The Pulse Podcast with Matthew Ruttan’ wherever you subscribe to podcasts: iTunes (Apple), Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher or TuneIn.

–The Up Devotional is published 5 days a week (Monday-Friday) and returns on June 28, 2021.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.