I find myself constantly standing on this verse:

“I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.” Psalm‬ ‭27:13-14‬

I grew up in a biblical culture that taught while on this earth we must endure suffering because all the good stuff was waiting for us in heaven. Since waiting has never been my strength, I was so excited to find this promise that I declared this verse constantly over my life. “I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.”

While I most certainly have seen His goodness, His faithfulness, His majesty on this side of heaven, I still had to learn to wait. So how does one wait well?

Waiting well is not a passive act. It is not a “sit on the sofa, twiddle your thumbs and watch the world go by” activity.

One translation defines wait as , “Look unto Jehovah” (YLT) Waiting involves pursuing His presence, hearing His voice, knowing His character.

Another translation defines waiting as, “Put your hope in Adonai” (CJB). Waiting involves declaring His promises, visualizing your promised-filled future, and remaining encouraged despite what you see with your natural eyes.

Yet another translation defines waiting as, “Stay with God” (MSG). Waiting involves steadfastness, perseverance, a refusal to settle for less than God’s best. It is setting your face like flint and heading toward the promises of God regardless to if anyone else believes in you, regardless to how many times doors are shut in your face, regardless to how tired you are of waiting.

Waiting still is not my favorite activity. But as I wait, I am determined to look unto Jehovah, put my hope in Adonai and stay with God. I know I will see all of His promises for me on this side of heaven. I will see my family free, my books read by millions and I will speak to nations. He is faithful!