Day 7 - Sabbath - Saturday - Connect the Testaments: A 365-Day Devotional with Bible Reading Plan - Logos

 February 26: Patiently Waiting

Leviticus 20:1–22:33; John 9:35–41; Song of Solomon 8:1–5

Delayed gratification is a foreign concept to our natural instincts. Our culture doesn’t encourage patience or contentment; we prefer to have our desires met when they arise.

The woman in Song of Solomon tells us that she is delighted in her beloved. She praises his attributes and means of the wonders of their love. But throughout the poem, at seemingly random moments, she also warns the daughters of Jerusalem about love: “I adjure you … do not arouse or awaken love until it pleases!” (Song 8:4).

This is not the first time she has “adjured” them to wait and have patience: the same refrain is found elsewhere in the poem, and it acts like an oath (Song 2:7; 3:5). Although the elevated poetry glories in love, delight, and fulfillment, it also warns about immediate gratification. The woman urges us not to force love. It must be anticipated and protected, not enjoyed before its time.

It doesn’t feel natural to wait and anticipate, but staying faithful and being hopeful characterizes our faith in many ways. Waiting doesn’t mean we’re not bold or risk-takers. It means we’re devoted to God—we’re waiting for things to happen in His time. We know God has something planned for us that is beyond our expectations.

How are you patiently waiting and anticipating?

Rebecca Van Noord

 Barry, John D., and Rebecca Kruyswijk. Connect the Testaments: A One-Year Daily Devotional with Bible Reading Plan. Print. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012.