Society has been powerfully portraying the “Now” Mentality. “I Want it now!”, “I need to have this now!”, “Now, Now Now!” And it’s made it’s way in the most intricate parts of our culture today – from childhood, to adolescence, to adulthood. Now is what’s important. Living for today is what matters.
That is a lie.
This entry was inspired by the song “While I’m Waiting” by John Waller – you can watch the MTV at the end of this entry.
There is an insatiable void intertwined between the depths of our soul and our flesh which is best captured by the word ‘Appetite‘. We have an appetite for a lot of things as humans. This is how we are wired because, believe it or not, we were made for pleasure with God.
“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” – Psalm 16:11
“Now” is not a solution to fill that void. Appetite is always there. So what do we do about it?
“But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:31
Learn how to wait
Appetite will never leave. Learning to control your appetite is one of the vital disciplines of life.
“Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” – Matthew 16:24
Denying yourself of appetite will leave room for God to move. Let me tell you my story.
At a Crossroads
Right now, I’m in a point in my life where I desire to get married. It’s not easy. Why? Because there is the huge temptation to make my security for myself. To make sure that we get married NOW. There are so many things that just pop into my mind about my own desires, my own security, my own APPETITE!
I can honestly tell you – it is so hard to wait on God. Not knowing what lies ahead. Not knowing when His provisions will come.
But one thing I know. And that is God has provided for me from the beginning. I used to eat Sky flakes Crackers for both lunch and dinner. I used to count my money to check if I can still go home commuting. I used to wear old shoes with worn-out soles – making it uncomfortable and possibly damaging to my feet.
God has blessed me. I never had the same situation as then. Looking back, I can say that God never left me to myself. He will be the one to bless me with my wedding. I believe it with all my heart. I will wait.
But waiting means more than that.
It means actively guarding myself and my girl from all temptation. It means actively seeking God and serving Him. It means praying everyday and asking for His help. It means working hard to earn and save money for my goal.
Waiting on God is an Active Process
It is not simply sitting down and doing nothing. Waiting on God means walking with Him and getting to know Him more and more. Because what is best for you is not found in your goals and ambitions – not even in God’s Will. What is best for you is God Himself. Knowing who He is. Knowing His Character.
Waiting is a Matter of Faith
I know that God provided for me before. I know God is providing for me now. I believe that God can provide for me in the future. Waiting is a matter of faith. If I didn’t believe God can provide for me then I would just enjoy the pleasures of marriage without a wedding! I could have let my appetite have it’s way.
But because I believe that God can provide for me and He knows the perfect time for my wedding, I will wait. These psalms are my encouragement – as David faced the prophecy of him being the next king, he did not force his way but waited 15 long years before God decided it was time for David to take over the throne of Israel.
“Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.” – Psalm 27:14
“I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope.” – Psalm 130:5
