Being People of the Wait

Why is waiting such an unavoidable part of the Christian walk, and how can we learn to wait with hope rather than frustration?In this sermon on Psalm 37:1–9, Pastor Neil McClendon introduces the first Sunday of Advent, the Sunday of Hope, by inviting the congregation to slow down and become "people of the wait." He opens by laying out three foundational truths: waiting is an inevitable part of life, waiting implies we expect something to happen, and how we wait is as crucial as what we are waiting for. Examining the Hebrew verb harak ("fret not," or literally "glow with anger"), Pastor Neil warns against letting frustration and envy over others control our hearts during seasons of waiting. Instead, he highlights four biblical commands for faithful waiting: trusting in the Lord and doing good, delighting in God by keeping a soft and pliable heart, committing our ways and plans to Him, and learning to be still before the Lord.Key TakeawaysThe Reality of Waiting: Waiting is not a sign of spiritual failure or punishment; it is a normal, intentional part of the Christian life that shapes our expectations and character."Fret Not" (Harak): Rather than glowing with anger or growing hot with frustration over wrongdoers or inconvenient delays, believers are called to refrain from anger and guard their hearts.Trusting in the Lord: True trust means attaching oneself to God and feeling secure, knowing He is bigger than whatever we fear.Delighting in God (Anag): To delight in the Lord means remaining soft, pliable, and teachable before Him, prioritizing His attributes over our own selfish appetites.Committing Our Ways: True commitment involves laying down our personal plans, timelines, and preferred outcomes, surrendering them entirely to God's care.Being Still: Waiting patiently and remaining still before God requires active faith, trusting that He is working even during seasons of silence.Be sure to follow us:InstagramFacebookYoutube