God is so good, and faithful ...

So, while I was downstairs warming up (it's cold in the office today), I picked up my Bible and turned to today's devotional reading. While not all of it applies (because it's talking happy marriages and well, right now I don't have a husband), these are the parts that I felt like were written just for me, right now, in the middle of a neurotic, overanalyzing fit:

"Like Martha, our hearts are distracted and weighed down by many worthwhile things -- concerns about family and friends, daily work responsibilities, church-related duties, financial needs-- as well as by our own ongoing thoughts, judgments and self-talk. Looking to our Lord's peace and inviting His love to reign in our hearts relieves hurt, eases weariness, and sets our feet back on solid ground. "

And then, further down the page, the writer wraps it up with this:

"Yielding our heart and mind to the Holy Spirit's direction transforms our whole outlook. The more we pay attention to our Shepherd's gentle reproof and trustworthy guidance, the less we find ourselves worrying about the things that DON'T matter. Taking the time to slow down long enough to talk to God and delight in the joy of His sweet presence -- wherever we are, regardless of what we are doing, whether it's doing the dishes or driving to the store or shuttling the school car pool or preparing for an important meeting -- can quiet our hearts and minds like nothing else. This is where we find the hidden strength that can never be taken away from us."

I bolded the things that stuck out to me the most. The things that I feel like are weighing heavy on my heart and my mind lately. Or, in the case of trustworthy, things that I need to remember.

Anyway, I thought this was super cool and definitely a blessing from God, so I wanted to share it.

Wait. Expectantly.

"There probably isn't anything harder to do than wait, whether we are expecting something good, something bad, or something unknown."

God says:
Be still and know that I am God.
Be still and wait patiently on the Lord. *

"What parts of your life seem to be on hold right now? Do you understand that this may be part of God's plan for you?"

God responds to faith even in the midst of failure.

"Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for I pray to no one but you ...Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly." Psalm 5:2-3, NLT

Wait. Expectantly.

What does David mean when he writes to "wait expectantly"? What attitude is he taking? How does that fit into my life? How does it apply to me?

I'm not really sure how/what this means in relation to my life. But, as you can see from my notes above, it's been on my mind. Although, I'm starting to think that waiting expectantly means to wait, knowing that God is faithful and true. Wait, knowing that God works to the good of those who love Him.

What does "wait expectantly" mean for you?





* Bible paraphrasing is mine.