The Waiting Game

Perhaps because he is a scientist, my husband "measures" his words very carefully. If I want to hear or learn what he is thinking, then I must be quiet and patient. For, unlike some, he will not rush in and make his opinion known or force his will on others. This learning to be quiet and attentive has been excellent training, for this is what we must do if we want to hear God. Neither of these two "men in my life" would ever demand attention, even when it would be in my best interest to hear what they have to say. And neither will inflict their advice, no matter how wise it is, sensing perhaps that I am not in a listening mood. God wants to speak to us, and we certainly know he has plenty to say, but who takes the time to listen? Sounds familiar. Over the years various people have "shared" their view of my husband, "He doesn't say much, but when he does, it is so appropriate." I know. But, sometimes waiting for him to speak can be frustrating. To deal with someone who has a lots of patience, sometimes takes a lot of patience! How often do we get irritated with God, when He doesn't tell us what we want to know, when we want to know it? Patience, patience! One of the hardest virtues for all of us. Perhaps you've seen those bumper stickers that say, "God, give me patience - right now!

Ecclesiastes 3.1,7 - There is a right time for everything: a time to be quiet; a time to speak up.

Ecclesiastes 9.17 - It is better to listen to the quiet words of a wise man than to the shouts of a ruler at a council of fools.

Proverbs 17.27 - The man of few words and settled mind is wise.

Ecclesiastes 6.11 - The more words you speak the less they mean.

James 1.19 - Dear brothers, don't ever forget that it is best to listen much, speak little, and not become angry.

Proverbs 20.5 - A person's thoughts are like water in a deep well, but someone with insight can draw them out.

Psalm 31.2 - Answer quickly when I cry to you; bend low and hear my whispered plea.

Psalm 141.1 - Quick, Lord, answer me - for I have prayed.

Psalm 27.14 - Don't be impatient. Wait for the Lord and he will come and save you.

2 Thessalonians 3.5 - And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into patient waiting for Christ.

Psalm 130.5 - I wait eagerly for the Lord's help, in his word I trust.

Habakkuk 2.3 - Still the vision awaits its time, if it seem slow, wait for it; for it will come without fail.

Romans 8.25 - If we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

Psalm 40.1 - I waited patiently for the Lord, he inclined to me and heard my prayer.

Isaiah 25.9 - It will be said on that day, "Lo, this is our God, we have waited for him, that he might save us. This is the Lord, we waited for him; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.