When I was a child in the early 70’s, life was a little more carefree. The things that might have caused an adult to be inconvenienced or annoyed were actually little pleasures to me. You can probably think of some examples. For instance, when a kid on the elevator quickly pushes all the floor buttons so they can see them light up. To the adult who is in a hurry, this means an added delay for the appointment.  When a child squirms around and gets distracted as he/she is getting in the backseat. Instead of buckling up themselves, the parent has to take a deep breath not to be frustrated needing to be somewhere in minutes.

Other little annoyances have nothing to do with time, but keep adults from talking or concentrating on the task at hand. A kid thinks it is funny at times to repeat your every word you say or imitate your every action and just die laughing.  Meanwhile you are standing with your hand on your hip trying not to lose your cool.

Take a Number Machine

Though I am sure that I did many of those fun things when I was very young, I remember one that brought me great joy! When I was around eight or nine, living in a small town our out-to-eat choices and shopping choices were a little limited. We often drove to Cleveland, TN for outings. If we were there for the day, our trip usually included a light lunch and a stop by Dunkin’ Donuts. It was popular in those days to have a “take-a-number machine” on the wall. I would try to grab that number before any of my sisters. Why I considered that fun, I have no idea, but it brought me some sort of pleasure to have the ticket in my hand and wait for them to call our number.

No Ticket Needed

 As an adult, I have come to Jesus so many times to pray.  He is always there for me. God is good like that. He NEVER asks me to “take a number”.  In fact, He is not really just there; He is here. I have the Holy Spirit with me at all times, no number required.

“I love the Lord, because He has heard

 my voice and my pleas for mercy.  

 Because He inclined His ear to me,

 therefore I will call on Him as long as I live.”

Psalm 116: 1-2

  
Recently, I discovered Psalm chapter 116.  What comforting words! He is there for me when I am saddened, unsure of decisions, or life is unfair.  He is amazing. When I call on Him in prayer, He is with me no matter if it is because I have lost my keys for the 1,000th time or if I am hurting with pain. He does not make me wait my turn when I need His help even if it is because I have sinned.

The Psalmist goes on in verses six and seven to discuss how the “Lord preserves the simple” and reminds us to rest in our Lord. You know, there is no line to wait in when life is too much. “Be still and know He is God” (Psalms 46:10). He reminds me to rest in His understanding of the situation, not my own. He will deal with the issue in His most simple way. Bringing myself lower than my God, I am allowing Him to take control.

As I come to Him for comfort or for solutions, in His timing and His ways, He will take control of the circumstance. On my part this takes some serious trust. For His ways are not my ways, but His ways are far superior.  In allowing Him to guide me through the issue, I have the benefits of His steadfast wisdom and guidance during the meantime while waiting for resolutions.

God’s Omniscience

Time and time again.  He requires no ticket for me to hold while waiting on Him, nor does He require one from any other person.  I sometimes think, how cool!  God, in His omniscience, has the ability to hear us all at once and treat us with individual care.  Gracious! That is amazing. At least once a week I find myself telling my students, “Okay, guys.  Remember I only have two ears that connect to the same brain. One at a time please.”

 How can I repay God for His diligent, loving attention to me? I can’t! His love doesn’t work like our minds do. There is no repayment.  However, I can share what God has done for me, and pray that others will see that He will do for them.

“I will offer to you the sacrifices of thanksgiving

and call on the name of the Lord.

I will pay my vows to the Lord

in the presences of all His people.”

Psalm 116: 17-18