The other day, I was scrolling through my Instagram feed when I came across an image from last June. It was an image that simply stated “I will worship while waiting.” Those words came at a time when I was struggling to worship God and to trust that something new would come my way. But it was something that I knew I needed in this time of liminal space; in the midst of jagged grace.
The day that image was posted I found myself worshiping with one of my favorite communities; the community of the Lutheran Academy of the Rockies. A community that has blessed me in more ways than I could have ever imagined or even counted on. As I sat worshiping with this community, with dear friends, a sense of peace and healing began to enter into my very being. It was the beginning of worshiping in the midst of waiting. But it also was a time of lament for me which was deeply needed in this time and place.
The truth is that there will always be times when our faith is shaken–whether it be through a cancer diagnoses, or through unexpected change, or through deep aching loss. Yet our God is a God who we are to place our trust and faith in. Our God is a God who has big plans for us even when those plans are hard to see in the midst of the fog.
During these times, it is extremely difficult to trust God or to even worship. Yet God calls us to come to him; to touch the hem of his cloak and to know that healing will come. It might come slowly over time. Or it might come a little more gradually. The truth is the healing will always come.
And it is during those times of waiting and healing, that worship is even more vital. There were many days this summer when I had a hard time getting out of bed on a Sunday morning to worship with other believers. But when I did, I was blessed time and time again. It was in those times of worship that I began, not to feel like my faith was shaken, but rather to feel a more solid foundation under my feet. A foundation of God’s love that brought me back to a place where I could worship freely and with arms wide open; proclaiming in the power of God’s love for all the world–a love that calls each and every one of us by name.
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Those times of waiting are so hard, but I think they can often be times of great growth when we discover more of God, if we are willing to seek him.
They are hard, but I agree that they are often times of great growth too.
Your post reminds me of the John Waller song from the Fireproof soundtrack “While I am waiting ” Here is a link to the youtube video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cH9LhNrXhFo
I hadn’t heard that song before. Thanks for sharing.
exactly so about the value and gift of community, the solid foundation it provides. A quarter-century post-recall from HUCC (of course I do my best to assess everything’s that’s gone well, the amazing gains I’ve made despite everything), I realize losing my professional and social networks was the most devastating loss; I also need to comprehend and be merciful to myself for the way I’m holding on so tight to the church I currently attend and the opps they’ve given me, despite my clearly needing more.
Exactly.
Great words Tara. It is so hard in the waiting. Praising God and worshiping Him is one way we cling to Him, trust Him, hold fast to Him, continue to give our circumstances to Him.
Yes indeed!
Worship centers us and reminds us of God’s deep love for us. These words blessed me today —> A foundation of God’s love that brought me back to a place where I could worship freely and with arms wide open; proclaiming in the power of God’s love for all the world–a love that calls each and every one of us by name.
I pray we feel the freedom to surrender ourselves in worship whether we are in a time of waiting or moving forward.
I am so glad those words blessed you today friend. I too pray we feel the freedom to surrender ourselves in worship whether we are in a time of waiting or moving forward.
Waiting is sometimes so very hard, but if we wait with God the peace he brings can pull us through. Keep waiting and holding on to Him.
Yes!!!
Yes! Sometimes worship is the last thing I want to do when I’m overwhelmed…. And it’s the most important! Thanks for this!
Exactly!
This is true, Tara. I’ve always appreciated worship (among other reasons) for the moments of stillness.
Me too!