Finally

Daily Reading: 1 Kings 6

Scripture Focus: In the four hundred and eightieth year after the people of Israel came out of the land of Egypt ... he began to build the house of the Lord. (1 Kings 6.1)

Devotional Thought: The house was purchased. Another house was sold. The move was completed. The "higher priority projects" (Remember, when momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!) were done. The materials were acquired. Finally, I could start the work on my study. Finally, I could unpack my books. I was so excited!

I imagine King Solomon felt a similar excitement. Four hundred seventy-nine years had passed since Israel had left Egypt. Funds had been raised. His reign had been established. Materials had been purchased, delivered, paid for, and prepped. Finally, "he began to build the house of the Lord."

Waiting is never easy, is it? It's especially difficult when we are waiting on God, who, we figure, can do things instantly if he wanted to. Frustration is just beneath the surface. If we're not careful, our impatience can bubble over in bad decisions or even in giving up. It takes faith and discipline to wait on God's solution in God's timing.

But, that's not the end of it. Solomon found out that when God brings the wait to an end, it is often just the beginning of the next phase. The temple took seven years to build!

What are you waiting on? Trust in God. See the wonder of how he brings all things together. Seek answers to deeper questions. Share your confidence with others who wait with you. And finally, he will bring it to pass.

"They who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint" (Isaiah 40.31).

Prayer: Lord, I confess that my patience has often worn thin. Forgive me. I admit that waiting is hard. Help me. I turn to you now to renew my strength in the midst of this present delay. Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 119.41-48

41 Let your steadfast love come to me, O Lord,

your salvation according to your promise;

42 then shall I have an answer for him who taunts me,

for I trust in your word.

43 And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth,

for my hope is in your rules.

44 I will keep your law continually,

forever and ever,

45 and I shall walk in a wide place,

for I have sought your precepts.

46 I will also speak of your testimonies before kings

and shall not be put to shame,

47 for I find my delight in your commandments,

which I love.

48 I will lift up my hands toward your commandments, which I love,

and I will meditate on your statutes.