Contemplative Bible Reading

Lamentations 3:25-26 (New International Version)

²⁵ The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him,
to the one who seeks him;

²⁶ it is good to wait quietly
for the salvation of the LORD.

This is a simple sentence, simple yet full of great promise. I don’t believe that this is a promise of economic, physical, emotional and all other kinds of wealth.

Do I hope in the Lord as verse 25 begins? Or is it that I hope to have possessions, security, happiness, a family? There is nothing wrong with any of those items by themselves. There may be wrong with human motives for having them, but let’s continue verse 25 – is it the Lord whom I seek? Is He is target of my life’s longing, my life’s treasure?

Now comes a little tougher part in verse 26 – it is good to wait. Yikes. That waiting part, patience, the Lord’s schedule, not mine. Much of stress in life comes when I am not in control, when I am dependent on someone else. Well, here it is. I am waiting for the salvation of the Lord. I am waiting on His schedule. And then He throws in this adverb – quietly. Not only do I have to wait, but I have to wait quietly.

But let’s get through the tough parts – the waiting quietly – to reach the promise: the salvation of the Lord. Oh, that is a pretty good place to be, in the salvation of the Lord. Perhaps this hoping in Him, seeking Him, waiting quietly for Him, perhaps those things are worth the result.

God, help me to hope, seek, and wait quietly. Help me to see the good that you bless me with now, every day, and into eternity.