SOAP 09/10/2011; Lamentations 3:25-26

Today's reading: Lamentations 3,4,5; Revelation 15

S)"²⁵ The LORD is good to those who wait for Him,
To the person who seeks Him. ²⁶ It is good that he waits silently
For the salvation of the LORD."

Lamentations 3:25-26 (NASB)

O) Patience is indeed a virtue. Sometimes, I think God really wants to see that our devotion to Him is serious. I think when most Christians encounter calamity, their first reaction is to seek God. However, when they don't get immediate results or response, many people will give up that pursuit. Also, God wants us to be persistent in our pursuit of Him, but He doesn't want us to simply complain. It's a matter of humility to trust that God will not be late with His salvation. He knows what we face and He is might to save; we need to trust and wait, and not give up on our hope in Him.

A) It's a similar situation to seek God when I have no apparent needs. Right now, in my life, I'm not facing any disasters or storms; however, I know that they will come. C'est la vie. Right now, I can practice the same focus and patience in my prayer times and devotion times, that is needed when I am desperate for God's salvation. It's difficult for me to sit still sometimes; I tend to fall asleep. There is growth to be had, and character development, in disciplining myself to wait with purpose. It's not enough to simply put my requests before God; I need to wait for His response.

P) Father, You have never failed me and You never will. I trust that You always have my best interests in mind. You are a good God and a good Father! When I come to You with my life is a mess, I will wait for You to move. I know that You have perfect timing. Holy Spirit, strengthen me to develop patience before the LORD. I will pursue You, in difficult times and times of blessings, and wait for You, God. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.