Desire and Delay

How do you live with desires in your heart and the delay of their fulfillment? The simple yet complex answer is WAIT. I've personally have struggled with waiting--how do you wait proactively my heart cries out? Some practicals based on Psalm 37: 3-7,23,24 are: worship and enjoy God simple for who He is knowing He longs to be sought after and often will use desire to drive us to more of Him; live in the inspiration of who He is and His promises as this produces trust and patience; live each day fully present and not just dreaming about the future; practice thankfulness for where you are right now knowing this produces contentment; seek godly counsel knowing God will confirm or redirect what is on your heart--He's not a God of confusion; create space in your schedule to let your heart be quiet to hear from God without demanding answers--hold your desire with an open hand before God knowing He will make it all clear sometimes just a step at a time. Once God confirms and leads, follow Him and trust Him with the results--where you end up exactly may surprise you, but delight in the journey with Him...He is faithful!

"I am still 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

Honestly, I've been frustrated by "waiting" in our fast paced culture, but have experienced the huge blessing and wisdom of it. A period of waiting allows God time to prepare your character for what is to come. Through time, a desire can either fade if its not from God or blossom into something larger than originally conceived. If others are to be involved in the desire, time is a gift to align all hearts in a unified direction so no one feels forced or pushed into anything. Waiting is simply surrendering of our agenda to God's will and timing--it is always better when His spirit goes before you and prepares the way than charging ahead in your own strength! Waiting is much like a flower blooming...abide, wait, blossom in the Son and grow into fruit! The fruit is always worth the wait!!

"The vision (desire) is yet for the appointed time; it hastens toward the goal and it will not fail. Though it tarries, WAIT for it; for it will certainly come, it will not delay." Habakkuk 2:3