Waiting: Even When Life is Hard

Is it hard for you to wait when life is hard? If you wonder, ‘Why go on living?’, rest assured, there is hope.

Waiting. We hate to do it at traffic lights, in line at an amusement park, or waiting for the voting results of our favorite televised talent show. But there are many instances in life when waiting can be a good thing. Waiting can help us say no to that person who isn’t meant for us to marry, so that we’re available to meet and say yes to the right one. Waiting just a little longer can help us be home to receive that package we had been waiting for most of the day, or not miss that repairman when he finally does show up. Waiting can help us get a better deal, give a better answer, or land that perfect job.

Waiting can also be a good thing to do when we’re feeling down. Waiting can bring clarity to a situation that may seem overwhelming or confusing at the moment. Waiting gives time for circumstances and people to change, even if the change is simply our acceptance. And waiting through the darkest of nights will eventually, and always, bring the morning light.

So don’t get impatient. Don’t quit on your situation or yourself. Keep waiting. A little bit longer. And, if necessary, longer still. While you’re waiting, there may be things you can do to change your circumstances. Or even yourself. If there are, do your best to start working on those changes. But above all, wait. Sometimes, that’s all you need to do.

If you try, I’m sure you can recall situations in your life when you waited and your circumstances changed. In the morning the situation didn’t look anything like it looked at night. Remind yourself of these times. Times when something seemed impossible, but ended up not being impossible at all.

Life is constantly in motion. Like the waves of the ocean—rushing in and pulling back. What we’re hoping for may not come with this wave, or the next, or the next. But if we keep waiting, it will come. Or something better will come in its place.

Even if life is hard for you right now, there IS hope. If you wonder ‘Why go on living?’ and are considering taking your own life, please don’t.

Even if it feels difficult to wait for things to get better, pray, and please give God time to work in your life. He is real and truly loves you. No doubt others in your life do too, who would be devastated if you were gone. If you feel angry at God, or even wonder if he exists, tell Him that! You can be honest with your feelings with Him. Ask Him to reveal His presence and love to you, then wait to see the future he has in store for you.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (From: Jeremiah 29:11 in the NIV Bible.)