I Choose Today to wait

I recently read about someone who had to learn how to rest, wait, learn, and renew by not moving for a period of time due to a medical condition. What would I do if faced with doing nothing? Would it drive me crazy seemingly doing nothing? What could I possibly do while resting, waiting, learning, renewing like he did?

The interesting thing about all these words is they are all verbs. A verb is defined as a word that describes an action, state or experience.

As it pertains to the state of resting, waiting, learning, and renewing, it is doing something while doing nothing! To me, the season of waiting is an action.

• The action of resting involves being inactive to restore strength, health, or energy. Also, seeking rest for the soul, which can only truly be accomplished through Christ Jesus. So the act of resting is actually the action of revival of strength, health, and energy. I need to renew my strength just like it says in Isaiah 40:31,  “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” The act of waiting renews our strength.

• The action of waiting means to remain in readiness for some purpose. Psalms 27:14 says, “Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!” The act of waiting renews our strength. We wait with purpose of renewing our strength, readying ourselves by being intentional about what we are doing to ready ourselves for the next opportunity God has for us.

• The action of learning is defined as to gain or acquire knowledge of or skill in (something) by study, experience, or being taught. Learning God’s Word by studying, listening to sermons or podcasts, reading books, and by spending time with the One who has all the wisdom and knowledge: God. ”…let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.“ Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭2‬b

• The action of renewing is give fresh life or strength to; revive. ”Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a right and steadfast spirit within me.“ Psalms‬ ‭51‬:‭10‬.  In my mind, being renewed or revived is being brought back to life.

During the time of resting, waiting, learning, and renewing our spirit is being brought back to life, being given new strength. By through spending time with the Lord, studying His Word, I am purposefully doing something while waiting.

So the next time you feel like you are spinning your wheels doing nothing, waiting, do so with purpose. Ask God to strengthen you, prepare you, teach you, and renew your spirit through spending time with Him and His Word. He would love the opportunity to spend time with you, reviving you. As we prepare to start a new year, let’s take some time to rest, wait, learn, and renew.