Waiting for Missing Socks

When was the last time you did a load of laundry that came out with a pair of mismatched socks? Hmmm…how did this happen? I generally put the mismatched socks to the side in hopes that their respective matches will appear someday. Sometimes the matches show up; other times I never find them. About 2 months ago, a load of laundry came through containing mismatched socks so I put them aside in hopes of reuniting them with their matches. I waited and waited. Load after load.

My waiting for the right socks to appear, caused me to think about times and seasons that contain waiting. Maybe you have experienced waiting. Perhaps you are waiting right now. Waiting can be experienced in a multitude of minor areas including: seeds to germinate, seasons to change, a pot to boil, paint to dry, a story to resolve, a plane to catch, or a doctor to see. However, waiting can occur in major areas, as well, like: acceptance into a program, call back on a job interview, direction in life, suffering, life altering decisions, starting of a family, arrival of a baby, test results, medical diagnosis, recovery from illness, or return of estranged loved ones. What we do during the times of waiting in major areas determines the state of our souls. We have a choice on how we wait.

How would one wait in such a way that would have a negative effect on their soul? Fearfully, anxiously, hopelessly, impatiently, angrily, helplessly, resentfully, or self-pitifully. Some might take matters into their own hands when God says no, doesn’t answer on their timetable, or answers in a different way than they expect. When this occurs, there could be a lack of trust in God’s goodness, perfect timing, and sovereignty.

What could be the cause of waiting in an unhealthy way? I think it boils down to an unhealthy view of God. A view of God that is not true to who He is. A view of God that has been imagined to one’s liking. A view of God that focused on one or two characteristics of who He is neglecting the rest of His character.

What is the cure for an unhealthy soul during waiting? Beholding or looking at God in His Word and responding in obedience. As we look in to God’s Word in its entirety, we will see who God really is, not who we have made Him up to be in our own minds. When I read 1 John 3:2 “we will see Him as He is” it makes me want to be overwhelmed with all His beauty and magnificence when I see Him face to face. I do not want to be shocked that I did not really know who He was! As we stay studying and pursuing God, we gain a healthy perspective on God and life that transfers over to a healthy soul in waiting. Isaiah reminds us in 40:31, “but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint”.

On a lighter note, my missing socks showed up in a load of laundry to be united with their matching pairs. It was a surprise to find them and it was certainly a surprise to see what God taught me about waiting through an everyday activity! Using everyday activities to teach truths was a technique used by Jesus many times in the Scriptures. This technique is very impacting!   

May you and I wait in ways focused on God that will bring health to our souls and glory to Him!