Have you ever wondered “How long Lord? How long?” You may be praying about certain things, relationships, or situations but nothing is happening. Many of us have thought this or have felt this way, so you are in good company!

Even the Psalmist, King David, felt this way and shared his feelings in Psalm 13. There is always something happening whether we see it or not. God is always at work and he never sleeps or slumbers.  It’s often during the waiting seasons that our growth happens. Patience has its perfect work in us and our faith increases during these times. Our spiritual muscles get stronger as we praise our way through.

One of the most important things we can do while we wait is to live fully present in each day. Jesus told us to not worry about tomorrow or be distracted by focusing on future concerns. Instead he wants us to live each day abundantly, experiencing and doing all he has for us. Each day is a gift that God gives us to rejoice in and praise him. Some practical things we can do each day to keep our focus on the Lord while staying in peace and joy are:

Set a specific time each morning to spend time with the Lord.

Use a clock, alarm or timer to help you stay on track.

Have a time of worship, prayer and Bible study during this time.

Don’t complicate it! Example: set 5-10 minutes for worship, 5-10 minutes for prayer, 5-10 minutes for Bible study.

Use tools like the Bible app for Bible study or Spotify for worship music to help you get started.

Listen for the Lord to speak to you. Don’t just talk at him.

Do this before you open social media, text messages or email in the morning.

Don’t get discouraged if it takes you a bit to get in a routine.

The Lord said he has given us everything we need for life and godliness, so ask him help you focus and make time with him a priority. Always remember to thank the Lord throughout the day for all he is doing and has done in your life. Ask the Holy Spirit to remind you of all the things Jesus has said and to lead you each day. Lastly, remind yourself daily and anytime you feel overwhelmed or discouraged that God has never lost a battle, he is faithful in all his ways, nothing is impossible for him and no word from God has ever failed.

Hope you all have a wonderful day filled with his peace and joy, and that you abide in hope for he who promised is faithful!

But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me. ~ Psalms 13:5-6 

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. ~ Matthew 6:34

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. ~ James 1:2-4

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. ~ John 10:10

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. ~ 2 Corinthians 12:9

I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them. Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. Fear the Lord, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing. ~ Psalms 34:4-9