The act of waiting in some situation would definitely make us feel anxious. At times it’s even unbearable. Those living under oppression are always waiting for the day that they could walk out of this darkness in life. These oppressions could stem from sickness, work environment, family, personal relationships, political issues, etc. Israelites in the Old Testament experienced oppression from the tyranny of the Babylonia rule. They chose not to wait for God’s help, but sought shelter from the Egyptians. From a political point of view, this move is understandable because during ancient times, only the Egyptians had the capabilities to provide some form of protection for the Israelites. But this move of depending on men instead of God is sinful. “This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: ‘In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength,’ but you would have none of it. You said, ‘No, we will flee on horses.’ Therefore you will flee! You said, ‘We will ride off on swift horses.’ Therefore your pursuers will be swift! A thousand will flee at the threat of one; at the threat of five you will flee away, till you are left like a flagstaff on a mountaintop, like a banner on a hill” (Isa 30:15-17). The Israelites wanted the fastest way to solve their problem, but they are not aware that by doing this, they were getting themselves into more trouble. Their distrust in God serves as a lesson for us. When we are in trouble, we often doubt if God would help us. We are not even willing to wait for God. We think we are cleverer than God, and that our ways are more efficient. Instead, we got ourselves into more trouble than at the start. God is waiting for us to depend on Him. Please do not depend on yourself anymore. Neither should you try to solve your own problem. Our salvation depends on the return to rest; our strength depends on peace and stability. What we really need is as we await God to work, we live life normally, while at the same time fulfil our duties to God and people. Although we have no patience for God, He has never given up on us: “Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are those who wait for Him!” (Isa 30:18).
As more countries open up their borders, loved ones who are long separated have the hope of being united with each other soon. But before the day of being united arrives, one would still feel perturbed. People would worry about sudden changes brought about by the pandemic or being infected before embarking on their journey. These worries are understandable. Think of it, however, what can we do to alleviate it? Maybe we could self-isolate a week or two before departure, or close ourselves to the world to reduce the risk of infection. It is true that we have the duty to be responsible. For instance, reducing unnecessary outings is the right thing to do. We should, however, not go to the extreme, and let worry dominate our thought by closing ourselves to the world, and living in paranoia. The truth is there are many things that are beyond our control. That does not mean we should be like those who resign ourselves to destiny and refuse to take a practical approach. Rather, we should adopt practical measures, while trusting God, and believe that He would take care of us in every way according to the promises in the Bible, even in ways that we could not expect. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:6-7). In fact, telling God about all our troubles and worries is a privilege, as well as a duty for Christians. It is a privilege because God only listens to the prayers of Christians, and it is through prayers that we experience peace like no other; non-Christians are not entitled to this privilege. This is our duty too, because God requires us to pray to Him often, to depend Him in all things, and not to let worry grow in our hearts. “So, do not worry, saying ‘What should we eat?’ or ‘What should we drink?’ or ‘What should we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matt 6:31-34). God will surely give us the things that we truly need in life. We should set our eyes on godly things instead. In that way, we will not be anxious and worrisome during the wait.