Seeking a Heart Like His - Through Waiting

For those of you who don’t know, I am currently doing a Beth Moore Bible study on David. This study is so rich and has prompted my thinking in so many ways about what it meant for David to be a man after God’s own heart and what it means to me to be a woman after God’s own heart.

What must it be like to have a clear sense of where God is calling you and who he is calling you to be, only to be told, not yet? That is where David finds himself in this week’s passage (1 Samuel 21 - 24). He has been anointed as king-to-be (ch 16). He has won a great victory over Goliath (ch 17). He has become famous throughout Israel, married the king’s daughter, taken on a prestigious position in the king’s court (ch 18). It looks like this is going to happen, that he is going to be king and the pieces are all coming together. But they aren’t. He has made this great climb up the ladder from unknown shepherd to famous warrior, but Saul is still king. Instead of preparing his future successor, Saul is trying to kill David. Instead of learning the ropes and building his future administration, David is running for his life and hiding in caves, leaving his family and friends behind, seeking refuge in enemy territory, crying out to God for help (ch 21-24).

So close, and yet so far away. And yet, David doesn’t rush God. As Saul is tracking David down, David even has the chance to take Saul’s life – to hurry things along, to speed up this process. But he doesn’t. David couldn’t have taken a shortcut to the throne. His men urged him on, and yet, David is resolute. David chooses to wait on the Lord – “Who am I to raise a hand against the Lord’s anointed?”

Wow! I wish I could rest in God like that. I am queen of second-guessing. Even when I feel like I have clear direction from God, I get anxious in the waiting wondering if I am doing enough, wondering what I need to do, wondering when things are going to fall into place. I still feel somehow it is up to me, even when it clearly is not. God is sovereign. He is the one that calls us, equips us, and uses us. He is the one that works all things out for good to those that love Him and are called to His purposes (Romans 8:28). That doesn’t always happen on our timetables, but we can rest in the waiting, knowing He is at work.

I can’t help but think of the song, “While I’m Waiting” by John Waller. Hopefully it will encourage you as much as it has encouraged me during those times of waiting.

“I'm waiting, I'm waiting on You Lord
And I am hopeful, I'm waiting on You Lord
Though it is painful, but patiently I will wait

And I will move ahead bold and confident
Taking every step in obedience

While I'm waiting I will serve You
While I'm waiting I will worship
While I'm waiting I will not faint
I'll be running the race even while I wait

I'm waiting, I'm waiting on You Lord
And I am peaceful, I'm waiting on You Lord
Though it's not easy no, but faithfully I will wait
YES, I WILL WAIT…” [emphasis mine]