Waiting Quietly: A Lesson in Trusting God's Timing

Last night, as I was driving home, I reflected on a snowy day in 2015. You may remember that the snow that year was deeper than what we’ve experienced this winter.

On that day, I had the crazy idea of trying to go to work despite the snow. I made it out of the driveway and drove about a mile down the road before I found myself just off the edge of the pavement. I wasn’t in the ditch, but I was stuck. I couldn’t move forward or reverse. After trying for a while, I decided to give up. I started walking home, but I was concerned about leaving my car in the middle of the road. So, I paused for a few minutes to think.

After a short wait, a man from a nearby house walked up to me. Then, another man driving by in a truck stopped. Together, the three of us were able to get my car unstuck, turn it around, and head home.

Fast forward to 2016—yesterday, to be exact. I was preparing a sermon on a passage from Lamentations 3:19-25. Near the end of my study, I reread Lamentations 3:26, and it hit me hard: “It is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.”

In 2015, I had sat “quietly” for a few minutes, contemplating what to do while I was stuck in the snow-covered road. There have been other times in my life when I’ve had to sit quietly, waiting and wondering what was next. Yet, the truth of Lamentations 3:26 stands out: “It is good to wait quietly.”

In today’s fast-paced world, many people turn to social media—posting prayer requests on Facebook or Twitter, or texting friends and family for support. While those things can bring comfort and even get a lot of “likes” and “comments,” I realized that what I truly need is not the affirmation of social media, but a clear word from God.

It’s perfectly fine to ask for prayer from others. You may use various methods to share your request, but last night, I was reminded that sometimes, it’s better to “wait quietly” for God’s voice, which is far more meaningful than the words of many people. And in His perfect timing, He will answer.

Remember Jeremiah 33:3: “Call to Me, and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”