“Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD” (Psalm 27:14).
English translations of this verse make it sound like we are the source and the generators of strength and courage – we somehow generate strength and courage. The Hebrew makes it clear that this is an incorrect reading of the text. The Hebrew says, “Wait for the LORD and he will strengthen.” The subject of the verb “be strong” is Yahweh. It is the LORD who strengthens us.
Thank God for that because we will not make it through this season without the LORD’s strength.
There is an interesting correlation between when and how God strengthens with waiting. We typically understand waiting as a passive stance. But the text makes it clear that it is when we are waiting that the LORD strengthens. Waiting is active. Waiting is a willful choice.
What does the strength of the LORD look like?
- When everything in you is screaming for activity
- When everything in you is demanding that you do something
- When everything in you is begging you to find your own way through
“Wait for the LORD; he will strengthen so take heart and wait for the LORD.”
There are times when we are waiting that we live in the strength of the LORD, that we are courageous in the LORD.
We are approaching Thanksgiving and Christmas. These are seasons where we’ve always gotten together with friends and family. In fact, it’s almost impossible to imagine what the holidays are going to be like without friends and family.
We want to gather as we’ve always done for worship. It’s been months! I get it.
“Wait for the LORD; he will strengthen so take heart and wait for the LORD.”
This has been a long season of waiting. This season is getting tiresome and we are weary.
Yet, covid cases are spiking all over the country and in our community.
Friends, I am so proud of the Little Church and Lakewoodgrace. You have continued to wait in the LORD. You have continued to do your part to find new ways of worshiping online and serving while waiting on God. And it is in this season of waiting that the LORD is strengthening you.
- There is a vaccine right around the corner.
- Continue to do your part to protect the vulnerable in our community.
- Continue to wait until it is safe for us to meet face to face with friends and family.
- Continue to protect the health care providers and other essential workers.
“Wait for the LORD; he will strengthen so take heart and wait for the LORD.”
We’ve made it in the strength of the LORD thus far. The end is in sight. Don’t lose hope. Wait for the LORD and experience God’s strength.
Well done Little Church and Lakewoodgrace!!! We will make it in the strength of the LORD.
Praxis: Faith in Action 