I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry.”
Psalm 40:1 (NIV)
Waiting on God can sometimes feel like watching paint dry—in slow motion. We know we’re supposed to be patient, but let’s be honest: it’s not always easy. The Psalmist who wrote about waiting patiently wasn’t immune to frustration. The Hebrew word for “waited patiently” in this verse implies tense waiting, stretching one’s soul.
Frustration in waiting is a common human experience, even for the most faithful. Remember Abraham? God promised him a son, but years kept passing. Sarah’s laugh of disbelief in Genesis 18 wasn’t just amusement – it was the sound of patience wearing thin. Yet, God’s promise held true, even when Abraham’s patience faltered.
Sometimes, our frustration stems from feeling that God is silent or inactive. Elijah, after his great victory on Mount Carmel, fell into despair while waiting for God’s next move. He felt alone and discouraged, much like we might feel when our patience is stretched to its limits.
Our frustrations often reveal the areas where we’re still clinging to control. When we’re waiting on God, we’re acknowledging that the timing and outcome are in His hands, not ours. This loss of control can be incredibly frustrating, especially in a world that values quick results and instant gratification.
Expressing our frustrations to God is not only okay—it’s biblical. The Psalms are full of honest expressions of frustration, confusion, and even anger toward God. When brought to God, these raw emotions can deepen our relationship with Him.
Expressing our frustrations to God should NOT be the end. It MUST be the beginning of listening, waiting, and obeying what God has to say. Venting, complaining, sulking—these are all human emotions and reactions. Yet, I can imagine God asking us,“Are you finished?”
If we allow it, frustration can be a catalyst for growth. When we reach the end of our patience, we’re forced to confront our own limitations and lean more fully into God’s strength. In these moments of frustration, we often experience breakthroughs in our faith.
In 1986, Russell Kelfer penned a poem that resonated with many frustrated waiters. Part of it reads: “Desperately, helplessly, longingly, I cried; Quietly, patiently, lovingly, God replied. I pled and I wept for a clue to my fate, And the Master so gently said, ‘Wait.'” Kelfer’s words capture the tension between our desperation and God’s gentle patience.
“Patience is not the absence of action; rather, it is ‘timing’ everything you do comes down to timing.” – Rand Lehrer, author and speaker. This quote reminds us that patience isn’t passive; it’s an active engagement with God’s timing, even when it’s frustrating.
Godseekers, when your patience wears thin, and frustration rises, remember: God is not intimidated by your honest emotions. You can bring your frustrations to Him. Let your stretching become a strengthening. Your cries of “How long, O Lord?” are heard, and they’re shaping you for the answer that’s coming in God’s perfect time.
You poured out your heart to God. Now, let your heart receive what He has to say. I pray you will listen and respond rightly.
Prayer
Lord, I confess that waiting is hard, and sometimes my patience wears thin. Thank You for understanding my frustrations. Help me to bring these feelings to You honestly, trusting that You’re working even when I can’t see it. Strengthen me in the waiting, and help me to grow through the frustration. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Personal Reflection
- What current situation in your life is testing your patience the most? How can you bring your honest frustrations about this to God?
- Think of a time when your patience was rewarded. How can remembering this help you in your current frustrations?
Step of Faith
Today, write a brutally honest letter to God expressing all your frustrations with waiting. After you’ve written it, pray over it, asking God to help you surrender these frustrations and renew your trust in His timing. Keep this letter as a testimony for the future when you see how God answers.
