Wait

If you have read much of this blog you will remember that I have pointed out that repetition of words and phrases are significant observational cues for understanding what the author is communicating.  In Psalm 25:1 – 3 there are significant words repeated and a significant contrast.

The words and phrases repeated:

• Do not let
• Be ashamed and will be ashamed

The contrast:

• Wait vs deal treacherously

David is asking not to be shamed.  In course of that request he makes the emphatic statement (the structural marker “indeed,” emphasizes his statement) that those who wait for God will not be ashamed.

Give some thought to that.  In what ways can we wait on God?

• In my relationships
• In my work
• In all of the choices I make daily

If I were to wait on Him for all of these, my sense and David’s emphatic declaration is that I will not be ashamed in any of those arenas.

I do not do that very well.  Like many type A personalities I have a bias for action.  Do not stand there – do something.  That has gotten me in trouble – shame.  If I were to wait, on God’s direction in all that I do, the word here is that shame would be avoided.

My initial reaction is that this sounds fine in theory but there is no way that it would work in practice.  But then I realize that I have not really tried.  Perhaps by waiting I will sense God’s direction more quickly and more clearly.

The significant contrast tomorrow.