Patiently Waiting

My first reaction to this verse is, “What were they thinking?” God had just brought the people out of Egypt and because they had to wait, they quickly forgot and looked to an idol for their happiness and life direction.

It is easy to look at their actions with condemnation, until I reflect on how easy it is to depend on the state of our circumstances for our peace and joy, praising the provision instead of the provider.

Were the people of Israel really that different from us? Challenges and changes in health, family and work can leave us wanting quick solutions and an easy transition to happy times. When the battle seems long, isn’t it easy to turn to people, hobbies and other distractions to heal our hearts? It is during these “winter” seasons that we anxiously look for signs of “spring” to arrive. Embracing the uncertainty of what is growing under the seemingly dormant soil is the hope that is faith; a confident assurance that delays may be part of God’s plan.

Lord, help us to be patient in our waiting and confident in your timing. Thank you that all seasons are part of your amazing plan. Amen. — LMB