Finding Wellness in Waiting

“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”

Romans 12:12

Patience

Breathe deep, my friends, and keep breathing. Whether you are waiting on a diagnosis, a child’s birth, a career change, a settlement on a new home, or maybe you’re just waiting on a time of calmness and peace in your life; whatever it is in your season of waiting, just keep breathing. God’s will for your life is happening and you are growing mentally, emotionally, and spiritually through the darkness and tribulation in the waiting.

The dictionary defines patience as the ability to wait, or to continue doing something despite difficulties, or to suffer without complaining or becoming annoyed. It is so very hard to be patient, to wait, and to not be in control of major life timelines for ourselves and our loved ones.

Philippians 4:5-7 proclaims, “Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God will transcend all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

James 1: 3-4 tells us, “For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” Patience is a vital healing component, so be gentle with yourself. Give yourself grace during the waiting as it can be overwhelming and emotional. Your faith will be tested, but endurance and stamina will be built through your hardships and suffering while you are here on this Earth. You must be willing to give yourself permission to feel and work through all of your emotions on a timeline that aligns with God’s will for your life. Seek peace and understanding through prayer, meditation, reading the Word of God, and being involved with church and community support. Always know it’s safe and it’s healthy to seek professional help and pastoral counsel when working through seasons such as waiting through tribulations. Romans 8:25 exclaims “But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.”

You can help your children learn patience by:

  • Modeling patience for them
  • Use reflective listening during discussions
  • Use a timer
  • Keep expectations low while children are young (and old)

More information can be found at: https://www.scholastic.com/parents/family-life/social-emotional-learning/social-skills-for-kids/teaching-patience.html

Colossians 3:12-13 states “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”  Research has shown that those capable of such patience and perseverance have had to endure suffering for some time to gain that patience.

We have resources and support groups for help working through tough situations where your patience is often tested over and over again. Groups specializing in grief, recovery, divorce, foster and adoption (where you may find support for helping children through the waiting as well), and many other small groups to connect and engage:

 

Other References and Resources: