I Samuel 17:15
“but David went back and forth from Saul to tend his father’s flock at Bethlehem.”
David probably felt envious that he couldn't be like his brothers and be with many of the jewish men in the battle. He had to go back and tend to his chores. He was at an in between stage. He may have been full grown, but still maturing. He probably felt capable, so why couldn't he be with his brothers.
The Lord has many of us at an in between stage. We may feel Him preparing us for something, but the circumstances aren't right yet. We may have tried many times, but there was no momentum and the doors keep closing.
This can be frustrating. We have to be careful that we don't force things. Sometimes it's possible to make something happen by effort, however, it's premature. Like eating a banana that isn't ripe. It's sour. So also, forcing circumstances leaves much to be desired. It will probably unravel.
Psalm 37:7-9 gives much insight about waiting for the Lord. "Rest in the LORD and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who carries out wicked schemes. Cease from anger and forsake wrath; Do not fret; it leads only to evildoing. For evildoers will be cut off, but those who wait for the LORD, they will inherit the land."
We're told not to fret. David may be there. He wishes he could be like his brothers. We may be in a holding pattern. We may feel prepared and ready to go. Just the opportunities aren't there. We are to rest in Him and wait patiently. Don't sweat it. He will work it out in His time.
Patiently waiting is a learned behavior. We all go through waiting periods. We've also experienced what it's like when things are forced. It can be embarrassing and it does't last. We've probably also been rewarded with waiting. We've witnessed the Lord bringing about a situation. The results are great and the quality amazing. So, we patiently and joyfully wait.
In addition to learning patience, He empowers us to be patient. It's one of the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5. Fruit is the result of abiding in God. So, we not only learn patience, He also provides us with it.
The Psalm says that those who wait "inherit the land". We have a home and a place He has provided for us. What a blessing. He rewards our trust. We patiently wait, He gives us a place of rest.
There is an inner blessing that He rewards us with. It's part of the rest He provides. It's a right feeling. We didn't have to force the situation, it came about naturaly. The circumstance and the state where we are at are congruent. That's what God does. That's His style.
We've all been in a perfect circumstance, but we weren't ready or visa versa. We feel awkward and unsure. That's what it's like when things are forced. We can learn from Paul when he says, "Godliness and contentment are great gain", (I Timothy 6:).
Lord, thank You for Your timing. Thank You for the patience You provide. Thank You also for the great circumstances and also the right feeling You give us. Help us to continue to patiently wait.