Waiting in the Corner

Life often feels like waiting. Just ask the young kids who anxiously anticipate growing up. We are always waiting on something it seems. 

But there are seasons that feel defined by the waiting. Waiting on the Lord.

Whether it be for clarity, for an answer, for direction, or for a seemingly earned reward. 

But there are postures to waiting.

We can wait at the feet of Jesus. We can sit near Him in our worship or in our sorrow, bringing it all to Him as we wait.

We can also run out the door, not waiting at all. We can chase our dreams and desires, taking matters into our own hands. We can ignore the call to wait and forge our own path. Afraid of what our flesh whispers is idleness and missed opportunities.

But there is another posture I find myself taking all too often. I do not run ahead, but I don’t wait at His feet. I sit in the corner, with my arms crossed. Waiting, but not patiently. Like a toddler that stands in the kitchen while their mom finishes the dishes. Not with submissive resolve, but as an ever present reminder that their wishes are not being fulfilled in a timely manner.

I wait holding my breath until my face turns blue in an unmasked effort to manipulate God into my preferred answer or my preferred timeline.

But God will not be mocked and He won’t be rushed. To the Lord “a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.” He loves us completely, but without the need to please. Because He has no fear of man. 

So while I stand at arms length, He draws near. He shelters us as we wait, even if we choose not to be comforted.

He is patient and kind. Faithful when we are not. Willing to extend mercy when we are demanding our own way.

No matter how long we withhold our submission, He offers us so many new chances to draw near. To let go. To trust Him. 

Let me learn to wait at the feet of Jesus. Bringing Him my doubts, my fears, my worries. And accepting His comfort. Accepting His peace and His timing. Even when it's difficult.