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Psalms 119:81-88
כ Kaph

My soul faints with longing for your salvation, but I have put my hope in your word. My eyes fail, looking for your promise; I say, “When will you comfort me?” Though I am like a wineskin in the smoke, I do not forget your decrees. How long must your servant wait? When will you punish my persecutors? The arrogant dig pits to trap me, contrary to your law. All your commands are trustworthy; help me, for I am being persecuted without cause. They almost wiped me from the earth, but I have not forsaken your precepts. In your unfailing love preserve my life, that I may obey the statutes of your mouth.

Waiting….  Waiting is one of the hardest exercises of the human soul. It invites “what if’s,” “when’s” and “why’s.” It provides an open door to fear. It fills our hearts with rapid-fire thoughts that would seemingly fill the storage capacity of the iCloud. Anxiety feels like a stalker that hides in the darkness of our discouragement. Even when we can’t “see” him, we can “feel” him.

The psalmist said that waiting did a number on his body. His “soul faints,” his “eyes fail,” and his mind has one big question, “When will you comfort me?” Maybe waiting is weighing you down today.

Lingering thoughts, consistent delays, persistent pain and unanswered questions drove the psalmist to one place: God’s Word. When he felt like he was caught in a storm with no end in sight he threw down the anchor of God’s promises. We must do the same. Use the weariness of waiting to cling to God’s Word and His promises. His answers are always right on time.

Father, today I am waiting…for the pain to go away, for the doctor to call with test results, for a rebellious child to come home, for a spouse to return…. Waiting is hard but I trust in Your Word and Your promises. Please bring strength to my weary, waiting heart. In Jesus’ name. Amen.