Indeed, none who wait for you shall be put to shame;
they shall be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous. Psalm 25:3
I'm sitting on the deck, and it's 76 degrees — incredible for a mid-November day in the Midwest. The wind is blowing, and the trees' leaves are falling to the ground in preparation for a long winter.
Ironically, the holiday season is a slower time in my life. It's a time of family, reflection, much-needed time off, and new beginnings. Even though I know the winter will be cold and a bit long, I can undoubtedly sense God in the waiting.
This season is a season of waiting for me. It's a season of learning to sit still and practice the presence of God. It's a season of the Lord transforming my weary mind and my broken soul and becoming attuned to what He's already saying.
God is constantly broadcasting His voice and His message; yet, the way we live our lives and the culture of consumerism we've steeped ourselves in generates so much noise. It's challenging to harmonize our hearts to His without training and exercising our soul.
Psalm 25:3 is a reminder that you will not be ignored if you wait on Him. Sure, the world is bustling about you and making their wish lists and accruing rusty treasures. However, you, beloved, need to wait. To breathe. To close your eyes and picture in your mind your ideal, creation-filled space. To feel the breeze, hear the stream, and feel the soft grass beneath your hands. And, sit.
When you do that, He will come to visit. If you're having difficulty visualizing that creation-filled space, read through these first few verses of Psalm 23 and then practice (through picturing) dwelling in this place with Him. Turn off the noise, the to-dos, the anxieties, and wait on Him to meet you in green pastures, beside a still stream, with the warm sun on your face.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.
On the first day, you may only be able to stay focused for 1-2 minutes. But, each day, practice meeting Him again and again for more extended periods. Sit in a quiet place, undistracted (phone off, iWatch off, etc.) As you practice, you will learn how to meditate on Him and hear His voice. He will not leave you in shame. And, that's a promise.