Day 18

Day 18 Focus: When we wait patiently, we are protected from rushing into calamity.

March 10, 2026 (Tuesday)

Reflect on any time in the past when you were patient.  If you cannot recall being patient, think of a time when you saw someone else be patient.    

Read the scripture adaptation, patiently.  Do not rush.

Adapted from Psalm 27:14, Psalm 33:20-22, Psalm 130:5- 6.  My soul waits for You, Lord.   My soul waits, and in Your word I do hope.  My soul waits for You more than those who watch for the morning -- Yes, more than those who watch for the morning.  From You I gather strength and trust.  Yes, I wait for You, Lord.  You are my help and my shield.  My heart rejoices in You because I trust Your holy name.  I ask for Your loving kindness to be upon me, Lord, as I wait for You.  Amen.

 Write about the word or phrase that inspired you.

Waiting is difficult.  I read recently that one of the more irritating stress points for people happens when someone “cuts in front of a group that has been waiting patiently.”  Then I remember a woman in a Bible Study I was leading.  She talked about being in a check-out line at the grocery store where a woman behind her was making all kinds of unkind remarks about how slow the teller was.  The woman from our group turned and said, “I can see that you are really stressed, why don’t you go next in front of me.”  The woman who was stressed was surprised, but she became quiet and gladly swapped places.  Later a man in the same line behind our classmate asked why she let that rude woman in front of her, and she replied, “I really am not in rush, and she obviously was.  She may have had a sick child or a meeting that was important.  I just wanted to be kind.” 

We had a robust discussion that night about “taking our turn,” but I left thinking the woman who allowed someone to go in front of her was consistently kind and did not put herself first.  Her character was peaceful beyond understanding. 

The words that inspired me from this scripture today are: “I wait for You, Lord.  You are my help and my shield.  My heart rejoices in You because I trust Your holy name.  What actions can we practice as a Beloved Community to show we do trust in God and in God’s timing?   When has waiting made a difference in your life?