Wait on the Lord

 

Teach me your way, O LORD, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies. Give me not up to the will of my adversaries; for false witnesses have risen against me, and they breathe out violence. I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living! Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD! (Psalm 27:11-14 ESV).

 

Today’s reading describes how the psalmist has faced real threats from wicked people, enemies, armies, oppressors, and false witnesses—all bent on destroying him. The psalm includes bold declarations about not fearing those foes, and it offers pleading prayers for God’s protection as opponents come near.

 

I have found that my experience of God’s peace can change from one circumstance to the next as well. There are moments of bold faith when I am not frightened. I believe God and am ready to follow wherever he leads. Then there are times when I feel doubts overtaking my faith, and I find myself asking God to save me. In situations like that, the threats can seem bigger and more powerful than God.

 

This back-and-forth movement is part of our faith journey. We recognize that if the certainty of our peace with God and our salvation depends on us, we will fall short. In Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection, God secures us from all that threatens, and we are strengthened for the life of faith that God calls us into.

 

"Wait on the Lord" is a biblical phrase meaning to actively trust in God's timing, guidance, and power, rather than passively waiting. It involves actively seeking God through prayer, scripture, and worship while confidently expecting that He is working, even when His plans are not immediately clear. This kind of waiting is an active process that strengthens faith and courage.

 

During the Advent season, we learn to wait in confidence, not denying our struggles but leaning into the peace that is ours through Jesus Christ, who secures us in God’s light and salvation.