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In The Waiting

Big Idea of the Series: In this series we will see how to consider what it means to wait upon the Lord and to reflect on God’s presence amid our waiting.

Week 1: The psalmist painfully longs for God’s response but chooses to praise him anyway.

Have you ever been on a road trip with small children: “How much longer till we get there?”

Or them wanting to open Christmas gifts that are under the tree.

· It can be a frustrating experience for the parents.

Thankfully, when the road trip finally ends, the kids are bursting with excitement to be at the destination.

No matter how many times we ask God, “How long?” let us always remember that one joyful day he will make all things right.

You are not alone when we ask God how much longer we must endure our trials.

The Pain of Waiting

Psalm 13:1–2 | NLT

1 O LORD, how long will you forget me? Forever? How long will you look the other way?

2 How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul, with sorrow in my heart every day? How long will my enemy have the upper hand?

Imagine calling out to someone for help, and they don’t respond. That silence can feel unbearable, especially when you’re in distress.

This is how David feels in Psalm 13. … How long is not so much a question regarding the precise time the state of God’s silence will end, but rather a plea that Yahweh break the long silence and reveal his power.

David is brutally honest with God here.

· He feels forgotten

· He feels abandoned

· He feels overwhelmed by sorrow

· His enemies seem to have the upper hand

· He doesn’t see God’s intervention

Waiting often feels like God is absent, but Scripture reminds us that God never leaves us.

Deuteronomy 31:6 | NLT

6 So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

It’s okay to bring your pain and frustration to God. David shows us that lament is a part of faith, not a lack of it.

The pain of waiting is real, but it’s also an opportunity to deepen our relationship with God by bringing our raw emotions to Him.

The Prayer in Waiting

Psalm 13:3–4 | NLT

3 Turn and answer me, O LORD my God! Restore the sparkle to my eyes, or I will die.

4 Don’t let my enemies gloat, saying, “We have defeated him!” Don’t let them rejoice at my downfall.

When we’re desperate, we don’t hesitate to cry out for help.

· A child lost in a store doesn’t stay quiet—they call out until someone finds them.

That’s what David does here.

In his pain, David doesn’t turn away from God; he turns to God. His prayer is bold and urgent:

He asks for God’s attention:

· "Turn and answer me, O Lord my God." He knows that only God can restore him.

He seeks God’s restoration:

· "Restore the sparkle to my eyes."

David doesn’t just want relief; he wants revival in his soul.

This is a model for us: In seasons of waiting, we must pray honestly and specifically, trusting that God hears us.

Psalm 145:18 | NLT

18 The LORD is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth.

The Praise in Waiting

Psalm 13:5–6 | NLT

5 But I trust in your unfailing love. I will rejoice because you have rescued me.

6 I will sing to the LORD because he is good to me.

Think about a farmer planting seeds. The waiting can be long and hard, but they trust the harvest will come.

· They keep working

· They keep keep tending the field

· They remain hopeful

Our praise during waiting is a declaration of faith that God will bring the harvest.

David shifts from lament to praise. He makes three powerful choices:

· He chooses to trust: “I trust in your unfailing love.”

o This is not blind optimism; it’s faith grounded in God’s character and promises.

· He chooses to rejoice: “I will rejoice because you have rescued me.”

o Even though David hasn’t seen deliverance yet, he remembers past victories and praises God for His faithfulness.

· He chooses to sing: “I will sing to the Lord because he is good to me.”

o Praise breaks the grip of despair and realigns our hearts with God’s goodness.

Praising God in the waiting doesn’t deny the struggle; it declares our confidence in His faithfulness.

Reflecting on God’s Presence Amid Waiting

Isaiah 40:31 | NLT

31 But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.

Picture a child waiting for their parent to return home. Even in the waiting, the child feels secure because they know their parent loves them. God’s presence is like that—comforting and faithful even when we don’t have the answers.

Waiting is not wasted time when we focus on God’s presence.

God is not inactive while we wait; He’s working behind the scenes.

Romans 8:28 | NLT

28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

The waiting season often transforms us, shaping our character, faith, and dependence on God.

We live in the age of convenience. An ever-increasing number of our tasks can be automated. You can get high-quality, well-cooked meals in minutes.

· All of this makes us more and more impatient.

In our faith journeys, we must relearn patience.

Remember we operate on God’s timing.

So we should praise him, even while we wait.

· Spend time in prayer and worship: Worship shifts your perspective from your problem to God’s power.

· Meditate on His promises: Fill your heart with Scripture that reminds you of God’s faithfulness.

· Look for God’s hand in small ways: Even in waiting, God gives daily mercies.

Application Point:

One of the most powerful testimonies that believers can give comes from our David-like habit: when life’s circumstances cause us to question God’s care:

· We look beyond—and above—to the things we cannot see.

· We bring our questioning hearts to our God who is faithful & covenant-keeping.

· With faith-motivated praise, we joyfully sing.

We will not let seasons of waiting prevent us from praising God.

Practical Steps to Reflect on God’s Presence:

During church services, especially in times of waiting for personal breakthroughs, actively engage in worship even more.

· Step outside of your comfort zone:

o Sing with enthusiasm

o Lift your hands in praise

o Share a testimony about God’s faithfulness in past seasons of waiting

By declaring His goodness publicly, you encourage both yourself and others to remember His promises while waiting.

If you’re stuck at home or other responsibilities, use this time for an intentional season of worship.

· Create a dedicated space where you can play worship music, read the Psalms, and invite the Holy Spirit into your home.

· Engage your family in this practice, making it a communal time of praise.

This can transform your waiting into an active celebration of faith that resonates throughout your household.

Keep Praising in the Waiting

Philippians 4:4 | NKJV

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!

David began Psalm 13 crying out, "How long, O Lord?" but he ended by declaring, "I will sing to the Lord because he is good to me."

What about you?

Are you letting the weight of waiting silence your praise, or are you choosing to trust God in the process?

Waiting is never easy, but it’s an invitation to draw closer to God, to trust in His timing, and to praise Him for who He is.

Church, let’s not let seasons of waiting prevent us from praising our faithful, loving, and ever-present God.