Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord!  Psalm 31:24

We often find ourselves in ‘wait’ mode–waiting for relief from illness or fears or loneliness or crushing problems. The frail elderly may simply be waiting for death. But waiting is passive, so why does the psalm, above, tell us to “take courage” while we wait?

En-courage-ment can help keep our spirits up as we wait. But perhaps the call to take courage means more. Perhaps waiting is not meant to be as passive. Infirmities and burdens do slow us down, and they affect the type and quantity of our activities, but they don’t prevent us from loving our neighbor. Instead of volunteering at the soup kitchen, perhaps we’re inviting a neighbor over for coffee. Instead of helping a friend paint his garage, perhaps we’re writing a card to thank hospital staff or listening to grandchildren talk about their day. 

Serving others while we wait is not easy; it goes against the grain. That’s why we need a good dose of courage. 

God does supply courage, free and abundant courage, to those who wait. In His time, he’ll heal, He’ll resolve the problem, He’ll call us to our perfect home. In the meantime, He’ll be with us, holding us in His arms and providing courage for the day’s tasks.