“yet they that wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not be weary, they will walk and not faint.”   isaiah 40:31

one of my fondest memories of living in east jerusalem among the palestinian people for two years is hearing the phrase, “i waiting you, miss mary.  i waiting you.”

arab shopkeepers often heartily spoke out this goodbye as i left their stores promising to return again soon.  we would part with wide smiles on our faces, looking forward to the next exchange, conversation, cup of arabic coffee.  they are a loving, energetic, positive people.  i miss them.

but back to the phrase.

“i waiting you, miss mary.”

“i waiting YOU.”  not my business, not my purchase, not what i might bring along.  just ME.  my  presence.  my friendship.  who mary is.

i do believe i have been misunderstanding the above scripture for some time now.  i think i’ve (mis) read between the lines to hear, “they that wait up on the Lord to do what they are asking,”  or “they that wait upon the Lord to change the person who is interrupting their lives right now,” or “they that wait upon the Lord while doing lots of religious stuff in order to earn what they’re asking for,” or even, “they that wait upon the Lord in righteousness while everyone around them is so wretched and evil.”

oh.  the arrogance.  of my own heart.

i’ve been waiting for the wrong things.  for the wrong reasons.  with the wrong motives.

what the scripture SAYS is, “they that wait upon the LORD will renew their strength.  will mount up.  will soar.  will not become weary.  will not faint.

the LORD.  His presence.  His wisdom.  His comfort.  His rebuke.  His word.  His revelation.  His friendship.  just Him.  God.  Jesus.  the Holy Spirit.

when things don’t go as i expect or wish, when people aren’t moving or growing or changing at the pace i (think i) need, what i really need is to wait on GOD.  not the people.  not the events.  not the circumstances.

i need to wait upon the Lord.  to give me what i need.  to BE what i need.

then and only then will i experience the rewards of that waiting:  strength.  endurance.  encouragement.

i waiting YOU, Lord.

for peace, healing, deliverance, understanding, wisdom, patience, love, kindness, forgiveness, grace, generosity, endurance, faith.

i waiting You.