Finding Joy in Unexpected Waiting

“So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” – Psalm 90:12 (ESV)

At the start of the year, I scheduled an important appointment. I was hopeful…until I learned it was going to be almost a year away. 

I normally trust God’s timing, especially when it makes sense. But this? My attitude quickly shifted to “I won’t be able to enjoy life to its fullest until _____ happens.” (Nothing says “happy new year” like having to wait another year for something you need, right?)

Psalm 90:12 tells us to number our days, so we may gain a heart of wisdom. Our days are limited and each day matters. And, at the same time, today isn’t all there is…and today isn’t our end. We are called to live with an eternal mindset, focused on advancing the kingdom of God. We live in obedience to God, seeking and serving Him in all we do.

Except, at the start of this unexpected wait, I stopped seeing time as a limited gift to treasure and instead viewed it as a countdown until this event would take place. I was exhausted from planning my life around pain flare ups. This wait felt unnecessary…even if God wanted to do something big while I waited. If I trust God with some things, why was it so hard to trust Him with this?

I knew this was a poor perspective. I knew I could try to be content, but it felt easier to hold onto my disappointment and anger. 

Through prayer, I remembered that God has a plan. That this isn’t a surprise to Him. And that the waiting might actually be worth it.

In reality, my hope can’t hinge on an outcome I want or expect. Not when things go according to my plan, and not when life looks like the exact opposite. My hope must be anchored to the promises I know to be true about God. His timing is perfect (Ecclesiastes 3:11; Luke 12:6-7). He will work all things out for my good as I choose to surrender this situation to Him (Romans 8:28). I can trust Him to direct my path (Proverbs 3:5-6). And, in all things, His joy is my strength (Nehemiah 8:10).

I decided that, no matter what,

I’m saying “yes” to being present, even when I’d rather be somewhere else.

I’m saying “yes” to last-minute trips to the city in the soft flurries of snow.

I’m saying “yes” to chasing sunsets.

I’m saying “yes” to persevering, even when the waiting feels like forever.

I’m saying “yes”  to resting, 

and also, yes to living.

As I reflect on the past couple months, I see all the things I’m glad I was present for. The things I would have overlooked if I obsessed over my expectations and timeline. And I have no regrets in showing up (when I was able to) because I could have missed out on so many great things. God has appointed His timeline for my life, and I can trust what He is doing.

Friend, even when the waiting feels long and unending, we know this season isn’t forever. And whatever God has on the other side of this will be greater than what we could expect or imagine. We wait with hope of what He will do because we know it will be good.

Respond:

Are you currently in a waiting season? Let me know in a comment or DM and I will pray for your specific request.