Waiting for God

Last week, I was listening/watching "In Touch" with Dr. Charles Stanley. He was discussing how to have an effective prayer life and communicating with God. I have always believed that God answers my prayers; sometimes His answer is not what I'm seeking, but He does hear my petitions and directs my life according to His perfect plan. I've always thought God's answers were multiple choice: Yes, No, or Wait. Dr. Stanley stated that God always answers your prayers in two ways: "Yes" or "Wait for something better that God has planned." WOW! What a concept! When God doesn't answer my prayer as quickly as I want Him too, He is working on a better answer and only desires that I exhibit faith and patience in anticipation of His plan. Praise the Lord! I'm believing God! He wants the best for my life if I will just wait for His perfect timing.
Several people I know and pray for are going through a difficult season in their life. As I was reading my Bible and studying a devotional message, I was referred to Psalm 40: "I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry. 3) He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord. 8) I desire to do you will, O my God; Your law is within my heart. 11)Do not withhold your mercy from me, O Lord; may your love and your truth always protect me. 17) Your are my help and my deliverer; O my God, do not delay."
The theme of this Psalm of David is: Doing God's will sometimes means waiting patiently. While we waiit, we can love God, serve others, and tell others about Him. The commentary of my new Bible, The Life Application Study Bible, by Tyndale House Publishers stated the following: "Waiting for God to help us is not always easy, but David received four benefits from waiting: 1)God lifted him out of his despair, 2) God set his feet on a rock, 3)God gave him a firm place to stand, and 4) God put a new song of praise in his mouth. Often blessings cannot be received unless we go through the trial of waiting.
It is my prayer that God will help me to wait patiently on His best for my life.
Lord, hold me close and help me. Give me peace and strength. Thank You for always being available to hear my prayer and meet my needs. You are an awesome God! Amen