In the midst of our busyness and chaotic lives, how much space is there to wait for the LORD? Do we have time, do we make time, to wait in hope for Him? It is not something that happens naturally but is something that requires a definite decision of the will.

But let’s be careful. Waiting for the LORD is very different to waiting for a train. The Psalmist is not talking about sitting around, twiddling thumbs, empty-minded waiting. In fact, it is the precise opposite. To “wait in hope for the LORD” means to fillyour mind with Him. It is active waiting. Actively placing all my confidence in Him.

That is very clear from the context of Psalm 33. If the Psalmist thought that waiting for the LORD meant emptying your mind and sitting around quietly then Psalm 33 would simply read, “Wait for the LORD” and then it would be silent.

But instead we find that Psalm 33 is jam packed with truth about God that is to fill our minds. As we allow these wonderful truths about God to soak deep into our souls then we will discover what it means to wait in hope for Him.

There are two main themes that Psalmist develops that will enable us to wait on the LORD.

His powerful Word (which is far more powerful than the word of men) v4-11

His saving love (which is far more able to save than the strength of men) v12-19

Here is a suggestion that may help you to wait in hope for the LORD.

1)   Read slowly through v4-11 and notice everything that we learn about the WORD of the LORD. Don’t rush it. Allow the truths time to really soak in.

2)   Turn these verses into praise of God for His powerful word.     

3)   Take time to think about how the truths of verses 4-11 are seen in the person of Jesus. Praise Jesus for His wonderful, powerful word.

4)   Now read through v12-19 and repeat the process looking at the LORD’s unfailing, saving LOVE

Is there a phrase or section that particularly grabs you? Take it and commit it to memory. Say it to yourself as you walk down the road. Stick it to the door of your fridge. Rejoice in that truth. Tell someone else that phrase and encourage them to wait in hope on the LORD.

How quickly we trust the plans of men (our plans? / our working things out? / our great ideas? etc). How quickly we put our confidence in the size of our army (church? / bank balance? / house? etc). How quickly we look to our own great strength (intellect? / will power? / abilities? etc). How quickly we put our hope in horses (friends? / politicians? / possessions? etc). All of these are “vain hopes.” They cannot save us.

Instead, let’s join the Psalmist in waiting in hope for the LORD. As we learn to do this then the experience of the Psalmist will become ours – that the LORD’s unfailing love will rest upon us. That sounds pretty good doesn’t it? When are you going to make time for this...

Jonty Allcock - May 2008