SHOW A WAITING ATTITUDE! - Adopt a Waiting Attitude

Adopt a Waiting Attitude

If we cultivate a mental attitude like that of Jesus, we will not lose the joy of Jehovah even if things do not always happen as and when we expect them to.  The prophet Micah said:  "As for me, it is for Jehovah  that I shall keep on the lookout.  I will show a waiting attitude for the God of my salvation."  (Micah 7:7; Lamentations 3:21)  We too can show a waiting attitude.  How? In many ways.  For one thing, we may feel that a brother in authority has acted in error and that an immediate correction is needed.  a waiting attitude will allow us to consider, 'Was he really in error, or am I mistaken?  If he was in error, could it be that Jehovah is allowing events to unfold because he feels that the individual will improve and that drastic corrective measures will be unnecessary?'

A waiting attitude may be needed if we are trouble by a personal problem or are struggling with a weakness.  Suppose we ask for Jehovah's help, but the problem persists.  What then?  We have to keep doing whatever is in our power to solve the problem and then have faith in Jesus' words:  "Keep on asking, and it will be given you; keep on seeking, and you will find; keep on knocking, and it will be opened to you."  (Luke 11:9)   Keep praying, and wait upon Jehovah. At an appropriate time and in his own way, Jehovah will ans3er your prayers. -1 Thessalonians 5:17.

As Bible prophecies undergo fulfillment, our understanding of the Scriptures is refined.  At times, though, we may think that a certain clarification is overdue.  If is is not forthcoming when we would prefer It, are we willing to wait?  Remember, Jehovah saw fit to reveal "the sacred secret of the Christ" a little at a time and over a period of some 4,000 years.  (Ephesians 3:3-6) Do we, then, have any reason to be impatient?  Do we doubt that a "faithful and discreet slave" has been appointed to give Jehovah's people  "their food at the proper time"?  (Matthew 24:45) Why deprive ourselves of godly joy because not everything is completely understood?  Remember, Jehovah decides when and how to reveal his 'confidential matters.' -Amos 3:7.

Some may be discouraged because they feel that after many years of faithful service, they may not live to see "the great and fear-inspiring day of Jehovah."  (Joel 2:30, 31) Still, they can be encouraged when they look at the positive aspect.  Peter counseled:  "Consider the patience of our Lord as salvation." (2 Peter 3:15)   Jehovah's patience has allowed millions of additional right hearted ones to learn the truth.  Is that not wonderful?  Further, the longer Jehovah exercises patience, the more time we have to "keep working out [our] own salvation with fear and trembling." -Philippians 2:12; 2 Peter 3:11, 12.

Next time:  SHOW A WAITING ATTITUDE! - Conclusion of Adopt a Waiting Attitude

The Watchtower, 2000