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! Ps. 37:13-14
Heavenly Father, I hate waiting. The tension between craving what you’ve promised and waiting for it reveals my sin as surely and quickly as anything. I want what you’ve promised, but I want it now. I’m weary of waiting for the fullness of your Kingdom. I do impatience so much better than waiting.
I want wolves and lambs, Republicans and Democrats, Duke and Carolina fans—all kinds of enemies to live in perfect peace today. I want to wake up in a forever world of no angry words and no sarcastic body language—no more spite, fight, or flight. When will kindness replace all the madness?
I want all nursing of grudges, fertilizing bitterness, and withholding grace to be things in the past. I crave the Day of no more minimizing evil, misrepresenting facts, and manipulating circumstances. Indeed, I want what you’ve promised, but I want it now.
Father, that Day IS coming, and it’s called life in the new heavens and new earth. When you send Jesus back, all things WILL be right forever. Until that Day, help me to live and love to your glory. In this day, keep me wise, careful, and alive to what we already have in Jesus
Through the gospel, you’ve already taken away our stony hearts and have given us new hearts. You’ve reconciled us to yourself—making peace with us in Jesus. You’ve forgiven our sins and are healing our brokenness; declared us guiltless and righteous in your sight; and have adopted us your beloved daughters and sons. Thank you, and Hallelujah!
Father, keep teaching me what faith expressing itself in love looks like, no matter how long we have to wait for Jesus to make all things new. Keep me humble and gentle, present and expectant. May I live more as a peacemaker than a scorekeeper. So very Amen I pray, in Jesus’ big and beautiful name.
