Guest post by author Nancy Lewis-Shelton
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor your ways my ways,”says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9 (NRSV)
“Those 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.” Isaiah 40:31 (NRSV)
The Bible teaches us that God’s plans and his timing are perfect and his wisdom above our own. When we struggle with life’s confusion, we are called to trust in him and acknowledge that his plan for us is for our ultimate good. However, we humans tend to be impatient and often create our own problems. It’s a hurry-up world. Don’t want to cook, order fast food. Have an unanswered question, go to the Internet. The grocery store line doesn’t move, complain. Traffic stops, honk. If God doesn’t answer our prayers in a timely manner, we question, or worse, reject him. Often, we wonder why we have to wait and ask why is he in control. “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” (Psalm 27:14)
I know my relationship with God suffers when my calendar overflows with too much to do and a tendency to not ask for help. For me, it takes determination to simplify a full calendar. Too often, I become overwhelmed with commitments and responsibilities, adding to my frustration by saying “yes” to requests from others when I could say, “no.”
These past weeks, I have made myself try harder to stop, take deep breaths, and ask God to help me to slow down. I want to spend more time outside listening to the sounds of autumn and the quiet of the night. I have enjoyed the sunrise followed by working in my garden. I have listened more to others but not relied on what they do or tell me I “should” do. My goal for this month is to be thankful for each day and not expect an immediate answer to my prayers, knowing God will guide me through problems, but, perhaps, not on my terms. He may not change what I see as broken, but he will walk with me and provide comfort.
“The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul that seeks him” (Lamentations 3:25). This verse encouraged me to appreciate God’s timing and guidance. It reminded me that his plans are greater than mine and urged me to seek patience even when circumstances seem to be a challenge or an emergency. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5)
Morning Prayer: “Grant me grace this day to rest and remember that there is nothing I have to do, nothing I have to buy or sell, nothing I have to produce or consume in order to become who I already am: your beloved creation.” Earth Gospel, Samuel Hamilton-Poore.
Nancy Lewis-Shelton retired from public education after years as a classroom teacher and school counselor. Published work includes devotionals and fiction/non-fiction short stories for adults and children. Recent publications include two fiction novellas about Cookie, a pet sitter. Volunteer activities include the church senior choir, elementary school Reading Buddy (Council of Churches), and a local oral storytelling group. When she’s not writing or volunteering, you might find her digging in the garden, playing bridge, reading, enjoying events with her daughter’s family, or participating in activities with her pet therapy dog, Robin.