Several years ago a psychologist devised a “test” to determine if “patience” (here meaning “learning to wait” on something) was a determining factor in later success in life. The procedure he “invented” later became known as the “marshmallow test!”

A child was given a marshmallow and told that if he (or she) did not eat it for ten minutes, he would be given three more marshmallows as a reward! (A total of four … just for waiting that little while!)

The conclusion, children who did not wait were far less likely to
get a higher education, land a better job, etc. Those who could wait, did wait, excelled later in life in many areas!

The Bible indeed does say a lot about “waiting,” especially “waiting on the dear Lord!”

Now to David, who was anointed to be King (in the place of Saul) as a young man. Samuel the Prophet did this in 1 Samuel 16, verse 13 to be exact.

But David had to wait and wait (for years) … until Saul was dead … before his anointing became an actuality, before mounting the throne of Judah, then later of Israel.

David learned well.

He could even write sincerely, having prayed in faith … “Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.” Psalm 25:5

A few Poems later … “Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.” Psalm 27:14

Isaiah agrees … “They that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31

Job learned to wait!

Habakkuk did as well!

So must we!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

“I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.” Psalm 130:5

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