Have you ever felt stuck in a situation, like you’ve been waiting on God to answer a specific prayer or take care of a certain problem forEVER and He’s not doing anything? Like maybe He’s forgotten about you?
I have. In fact, I’m in a waiting season right now. I’ve been waiting on a very specific answer for well over a year and, I’ll be honest, it’s been a challenge.
In the spirit of full transparency (so that maybe you’ll see you’re not alone if you’ve ever felt this way, too), I’ve become a bitter, negative, complaining, and jealous person. Oh, and disobedient to God…can’t forget that one.
It’s not something I’m proud of. And, really, I didn’t even realize I was becoming those things until the Holy Spirit convicted me a couple of days ago through a friend (praise the Lord for true friends who will tell you like it is, right?!) and then again yesterday through a sermon at church.
Y’all, when I was forced to look in the mirror at who I’ve become over the last several months, I was not happy. In fact, I would say I was disgusted and heartbroken.
God has done so much for me throughout my life, and THIS is how I show my gratitude? I wanted to cry when that realization hit.
It doesn’t feel great when the Holy Spirit convicts you, but what I’ve learned is that He never leaves you with just the conviction; He always shows you His heart, too. How do I know that? Because, as I was being convicted during church yesterday, I clearly felt the Lord whisper:
“Daughter, don’t you know that I love you and want good things for you? Trust me.”
That’s what I haven’t been doing: trusting. Sure, I’ve said I trust God. I’ve told Him, myself, my friends — anyone who would listen. But, deep down, I hadn’t given Him total control. I hadn’t let go of the need to make things work out my way or the resentment at having to wait.
And what’s crazy is, until the last few days, I didn’t even realize I was still clinging to control and frustration and discouragement.
Can you relate? If so, what do we do now?
What to Do When You’re Waiting on God
1. Let go of negativity.
In the famous words of Elsa, it’s time for me to “Let it go.” Maybe you need to let something go, too?
Here’s what I’m releasing from my mind, heart, and life:
The need to control every outcome
Fear of the future
Selfish desires
Wrong motives
Envy
Discouragement
Bitterness
Resentment
I’m sure the list could go on, but you get the picture.
The first step toward contentment and peace during a waiting season is to let go of all this negativity. We can never truly experience the life God has for us if we’re holding onto those things I mentioned above.
Do any of them resonate with you? What do you need to let go of?
2. Cling to the Word.
The Bible tells us to take every thought captive, but what does that actually mean? I used to think it simply meant not allowing yourself to think certain things.
But if you’re anything like me, that’s nearly impossible. The more I tell myself not to think about something, the more I actually think about it.
I recently heard something about this that really resonated with me.
If we only focus on trying to clear our minds of certain ideas or thoughts — like envy, for example — it leaves us open to even more bad things because there’s now empty space.
Instead, we should be not just removing ungodly thoughts from our minds, but replacing them with Godly ones.
That’s where scripture comes in. When you’re in a season of waiting, it’s crucial to be in the Word regularly. We need the Bible! There’s so much in it to remind us of God’s unending love, faithfulness, and goodness.
Here are some verses to get you started:
“Hope in the Lord and keep his way. He will exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are destroyed, you will see it.” Psalm 37:34
“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:14
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.” Isaiah 26:3-4
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
3. Talk to someone you trust.
Remember how I mentioned at the beginning of this blog post that I was convicted after chatting with a friend? That’s why Godly friendships and relationships with other believers is so important!
I was simply telling this friend how discouraged I’d been lately and being really honest about all of my feelings, even the embarrassing ones like jealousy, and she was able to speak truth over me.
A couple of things stand out here.
First, if I hadn’t been open and vulnerable with my friend, she wouldn’t have had the information she needed to (gently) tell me where I might be going off-course. My vulnerability also allowed her the freedom to express her own thoughts about my situation.
If I’d been closed off or even phony, she probably wouldn’t have felt comfortable enough to speak her mind.
Second, what she said took courage. I could’ve been offended (though that would’ve just been even more proof that I’d become a bitter, self-centered person). She might’ve even caused a riff in our friendship. Even so, she let the Holy Spirit use her to steer me back toward Him.
In our relationships, we need honesty, vulnerability, and courage.
God created us for community, first with Him and then with other believers. But we can’t experience the full benefit of that community (like much-needed conviction) if we aren’t honest, vulnerable, and courageous.
4. Keep being obedient.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again (preaching to myself here!): waiting does NOT mean being complacent. It doesn’t mean sitting around doing nothing.
God still expects us to be obedient. What’s the last thing He told you to do? Do that. And keep doing it until He tells you to stop.
Maybe you haven’t heard anything specific from Him. We still have commands to obey. Spend this time loving God, loving your neighbor, serving the church, discipling your kids, etc. etc.
I truly believe God rewards obedience when it’s done with the right motives and the right heart. So, while you’re waiting, keep obeying.
If you need help in this area, check out my pocket devotional Read. Pray. Act.: How to Overcome Discouragement & Follow God’s Plan for Your Life.
Contentment and Joy in the Waiting
Friend, I don’t know what you’re waiting on God for right now. Maybe it’s physical healing. Maybe it’s a relationship. Maybe it’s a job or career.
Whatever your situation, just know that you can trust our Lord. He’s good, kind, and loving. And He truly does want the best for us, even though His best might not always look like our version of best.
I know waiting is hard. Boy, do I know! But when we let go of ungodly thoughts and negativity, cling to His word, and talk to other believers, we really can find joy and contentment in seasons of waiting.
And we can truly experience peace that surpasses all understanding.