Therefore the LORD waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the LORD is a God of justice; all those who wait for him are blessed.

Isaiah 30:18 ESV

God longs for and tarries to lavish His lovingkindness on us. He honors those who do the same for Him! Waiting is purposeful, not inactive. Love waits and is long-suffering. I am so grateful to Him because I tend to tire quickly the older I get. Consider the following true story:

Hachiko, a dog born in 1923 in Japan, had an unbreakable bond and unconditional love for his human companion. His master was a professor who rode a train daily to work and back. Hachiko waited, without fail, at the train station every day for his friend to return. One day, the professor suffered a fatal cerebral hemorrhage and never came home. Hachiko faithfully returned to the train station for nine years to wait for his beloved friend, hoping to greet him again. Hachiko died at eleven years of age in 1935.

God, my beloved Father, waits patiently to be gracious and show mercy. And He blesses all who wait for Him. Waiting is challenging yet yields forever rewards! Likewise, may I be gracious and show mercy to others.

Heavenly Father, thank You for extending patience and undeserved kindness all my days. You are compassionate. You never give up on me.

Karen Sims