June 7 - A Holding Pattern.

Psalm 25:4-5
“Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.”
 
Have you ever been on an airplane that had to delay it’s landing for whatever reason? It may have been due to weather, air traffic, or some unforeseen circumstance at the final destination. When the pilot circles the runway it is called a holding pattern. Though it may be inconvenient, there is a reason for the delay in reaching the ground.
 
David knew what it was like to be in a holding pattern. Many times throughout his life he had to wait on God to deliver him from his circumstances. He had learned from experience that it is better to wait on God to work rather than force the means of an apparent solution. Notice the three things that David asks the Lord to do: “Shew me…teach me…Lead me…”

David then acknowledges why he chose to ask God for these requests.
Psalm 25:5
“…for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.”
 
When God makes us wait it may be inconvenient, but it is for our benefit.
Romans 8:28
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
 
While we are waiting it is easy to get disheartened or discouraged, but let us never be ashamed while God is having us to wait. Though we may not understand it, God does. Let us lift up our heads to Him trusting that He does all things well.
Psalm 25:1-3
“Unto thee, O LORD, do I lift up my soul. O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me. Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause.”
 
While we wait…
We Can Rest.
Psalm 37:7
“Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him…”
 
We Can Refocus.
Proverbs 16:3
“Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.”
 
We Can Refire.
2 Timothy 1:6
“Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee...”
 
When something doesn't happen when or as fast as we think it should, God always has a reason.
Isaiah 55:8-9
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith 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.”
 
If we compare our position to others we will only end up discouraged or defeated. David learned what to do instead...
 
Rest.
Psalm 37:7
“Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.”
 
Wait.
Psalm 37:34
“Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.”
 
Allow God to deliver you from your holding pattern.
Psalm 37:39-40
“But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: he is their strength in the time of trouble. And the LORD shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him.”
 
 
Bible Reading:
I Kings 13-14  |  II Corinthians 9  |  Psalm 128