A couple of days ago, the news came through that lockdown is to be extended by another three weeks. Whilst this was to be expected, I guess we were all hoping there was a slim chance the waiting period would be over. More waiting. It’s this in-between-time which we find so hard. It brings about more uncertainty.

Over Easter, Holy Saturday is where the body of Jesus Christ lay in the tomb, and is the period of uncertainty. It is the moment of somber waiting. We find this waiting period the hardest part to experience. Reflecting on what was and wondering what is to come.

Wait and Be Patient

How can we wait patiently during a time of uncertainty, especially when the waiting brings feelings of anxiety or sadness. Paul gives us some pretty sound advice when it comes to waiting. His threefold advice is paramount to our emotional and spiritual well-being.

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." Romans 12:12

Be Joyful in Hope

Firstly, be joyful in hope. You’re probably wondering how we can have hope in our current situation, let alone joy. Experiencing hope and joy is not just about changing our mindset. We do actually have a reason to be hopeful, as well as joyful.

As Christians, we always have hope. Our hope is found in Jesus Christ, the One who defeated death. This should give us the right perspective we need in our current situation and therefore provide us with the joy we need. Do you want the good news? Everyone has access to Jesus as their Hope – not just Christians!

Do you want the good news? Everyone has access to Jesus as their Hope – not just Christians! Click To Tweet

Be Faithful in Prayer

I’m going to skip the second piece of advice briefly and look into Paul’s third piece of advice. (You’ll see why in a minute – be patient 😊😉) Paul’s third advice is to be faithful in prayer. Keep praying – wherever we are, whatever we are doing and whenever we can.

Keep praying – wherever we are, whatever we are doing and whenever we can. Click To Tweet

When we experience any type of suffering, we should pray whilst we wait for what we are hoping in. When we pray, it connects us with God. God hears us and understands what we are going through and He helps us. It doesn’t matter how we pray either. We don’t have to use big, posh words. He listens to all who communicate with Him.

Be Patient in Affliction

Now, back to the second piece of advice which Paul gave. This is probably the most hardest to carry out: Be patient in affliction. Oh my! How we are being tested to the max with this in the current crisis. Patience with our children, patience in waiting for answers, patience whilst maybe we are in pain. Patience with __________ (insert your own dilemma).

The second advice which Paul gives is easier to cope with if we are able to take on the first and third pieces of advice: Be joyful in hope and faithful in prayer. Those who are joyful in what they hope for their future and who pray to God continually will have a much easier time being patient through the hard times.

I’m not writing this from first hand experience. I’m the world‘s worst when it comes to waiting and find it really hard to find joy during the trials I experience. I am able to say this through watching how other people respond and react in their tough situations. I find it encouraging and it spurs me on to keep going in my own tough times with carrying out Paul’s advice.

My friend, Shelly Miller, is a great example of someone who is faithful in praying and has found joy in hope. In turn, she is able to be at peace in her current situation. In her own words, she writes this…

“I can tell you that even amidst dire reports from doctors, I’m experiencing unexplainable peace of mind and joy in heart.”

Shelly Miller, The Sabbath Society Newsletter

Something to think about…

Paul is not minimising the trials and hardships we go through in life, and neither am I. I know how hard life can be. I’ve had a fair share of unpleasantness in my own life. What Paul wants to point out is that if we keep strong in our faith, waiting patiently during this time of lockdown, the struggles we experience now will be worth it when we come through the other side with our hope in Christ.

Prayer

Dear God, thank you for the hope you have provided to us through your Son, Jesus Christ. We live in a world where waiting patiently doesn’t come naturally anymore. May we hold onto the truth that Jesus is the Hope we need which provides us with joy during our current situations. Thank you that you are always there with us whatever we are facing. May we remember to turn to you so in turn you can provide us with peace in mind and joy in heart. Amen.