Wouldn’t it be great to stand strong in this world gone mad? You can! I’d like to send you 7 scriptures that describe exactly what happens when we decide to trust God as the foundation in our lives. (Hint, one is joy. Another is unmoveability. I think that’s a made-up word, but the scripture isn’t made up. It’s for real.)
Anyway, join my subscriber tribe here! (And look in your inbox for those 7 scriptures!)
Are you in a season of waiting? Has the night gone on too long?
Maybe you’re waiting to find out if it’s cancer. Waiting for God to give you an answer. Or that relationship still limps along, tattered and estranged. Or the mountain reveals a hidden ascent every time you’re spent and sweating and thought you had a chance of getting to the top.
The Psalmist knew that kind of waiting.
I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits,
And in his word I put my hope.
I wait for the Lord
more than watchmen wait for the morning,
more than watchmen wait for the morning.
– Psalm 130:5-6
It’s that watchman thing that has me thinking. The Psalmist’s word picture is repeated, earnest, and maybe even desperate.
The watchman could have been a military sentry, one whose eyes were trained to spot danger in the dark. Imagine how much he longed for light to pierce the night sky. Light meant safety. Light meant rest. Light meant he could let his guard down.
Even more than that is how much the Psalmist waited for the Lord.
.
The watchman could also have been a religious leader, a Levite, one who watched for the first sliver of sunrise so he could offer the morning sacrifice. Dawn meant he could initiate a rite that made things right. His work helped people have a way of getting to God.
Even more than that is how much the Psalmist waited for the Lord.
The military watchman waited to rest.
The Levite watchman waited to bless.
Maybe you need a little of both right now. Maybe you’re waiting for answers or safety or you’d just like to return to 120 over 80. Maybe you’re waiting for ministry to explode—or at least take hold.
Here’s good news. Light always comes. The Psalmist’s analogy is repetitive, earnest and maybe desperate—but it’s also full of anticipation. He knew what we know. The sun always rises. The Son does, too. In scripture, Jesus calls himself the bright Morning Star.
So have courage. Jesus sees the danger lurking in the dark. There’s never been a better watchman. He’s in that waiting room. He’s in your uncertain heart. He can fashion those scraps of life that fell to the floor into something remarkable. He’s the bright Morning Star you’re looking for.
And I’ve read the book. He will rise.
– God is light and in Him there is no darkness at all. (I John 1:5, NASB)
Jesus follower + silver lining finder + word flinger
Laurie:
I knew I’d love your post because I love your heart. You’ve talked encouragingly about hope & peace in one’s time of waiting. I am so thankful for my season in the waiting room. He knows what awaits me & I trust Him. I know there is joy in the morning. Even in the mourning, yes?
Wonderful post. Wonderful book. Wonderful you!
Cathy
Thank you so much Cathy. Joy in the morning and the mourning. Yes.