Waiting Patiently For The Lord
May 17, 2026
“Psalms 40:1-3 1 I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. 2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. 3 He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him.“”
Reflection
21st February 2024 My boss, Dr A, was in town for his periodic meeting with the staff in Singapore. I caught up with him over breakfast, when he informed me that the company would not be renewing my engagement after March. Meanwhile, LW (wife) forwarded me a heartwarming message from SY (small group sister-in-Christ) this morning. Definitely not a coincidence: Dear LW and JH, You have been in my prayers and mind continually. I may not always know what to pray for, but I pray that He is all you need, that your joy is complete in Him, and that you will rejoice always. Your steadfast faith and endurance in Him inspires me. Your abiding and rejoicing, even in hardships, convicts me that He is the rock that will lift you out of the mud and mire, and put a new song in your mouth. ”I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him.“ Psalms 40:1-3 NIV I feel like Paul to the Thessalonians when I think of you both. Your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord, amid severe suffering, with the joy given by the Holy Spirit, is a model to us all. And because He has chosen you, His power will be with you. “We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. We remember before our God and Father **your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.** For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia.“ 1 Thessalonians 1:2-7 NIV We wait. We trust. We pray. We consider it pure joy in trials, that the power of our Lord, and the perfecter of our faith is at work in us. He may not calm the storm, but He is in the storm with you. Daniel’s faith is not perfected in the lion’s den but in the prayer closet. One day, this nightmare will make sense. I want to encourage you - to stay strong and know that you have been a great blessing to many and I thank God every day for you. His blessings, SY
Application
When faced with uncertainty, my natural response is to 'be decisive' and do something quickly. Perhaps, it is the way my brain is wired as a C-suite executive (and doctor). We are responsible and rewarded for being decisive and solving problems. Yet, this is not God's way, if we do not first pause to seek Him and understand His plans. Proverbs 19:21 There are many plans in a man’s heart, Nevertheless the LORD’s counsel—that will stand. Isaiah 14:27 For the LORD of hosts has purposed, And who will annul it? His hand is stretched out, And who will turn it back?
Thank You, Lord, for teaching me these lessons in patience and trust. They are not easy lessons, but You know me well. When I despair, You send me hope and encouragement from the family of Christ. Thank You for Your Word. It is Truth and Joy. Open my eyes to see You in action. Help me be sensitive to Your voice that I may hear Your instruction. Give me wisdom that I may discern Your thoughts. Turn me away from evil and prideful thoughts and lead me in the way everlasting. In Your holy name I pray, Lord Jesus. Amen.