In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried to my God for help; He heard my voice out of His temple, and my cry for help before Him came into His ears.
– Psalm 18:6
David was the anointed king of Israel, but before he could enjoy the realization of God’s promises, he had to go through a season of testing and waiting. During this time, he was forced to literally run for his life and hide out in caves. King Saul, who was bent on David’s destruction, continually hunted for him.
Perhaps the Lord has given you a promise through His Word. You’re ready to see it unfold, but it hasn’t happened yet. You have waited, but hope doesn’t seem to be on the horizon.
Remember that God’s timing is perfect. He knows what you need and when you need it. He knows that if we’re going to learn how to walk with Him in the daylight or the good times, we must also learn to trust Him in times of darkness.
At some point, each of us has waited for God’s promises to come. David may have wondered when the Lord would open the door to blessing. However, he never allowed his thoughts to turn to doubts. In fact, he praised God for the victory he knew would be his one day: “[God] delivered me from my strong enemy, and from those who hated me, for they were too mighty for me…He brought me forth also into a broad [or spacious] place; He rescued me, because He delighted in me” (Psalm 18:17,19).
When God delivers you from trial and trouble, you can be sure He will bring you out into a spacious place of joy and delight—one that also will glorify Him and add encouragement to your life.
Have you been pushing and shoving in an effort to get where you think you should be? If so, stop and choose instead to wait on God. God, the Father of lights (James 1:17), will one day reward you for the time you spend waiting in darkness.
