SHOW A WAITING ATTITUDE! - Waiting - Source of Frustration or of Joy?

Waiting - Source of Frustration or of Joy?

Solomon knew that waiting can be frustrating.  He wrote:  "Expectation postponed is making the heart sick." (Proverbs 13:12)  Certainly, if a person is entertaining unfounded expectations, the heart can be sickened by disappointment.  However, waiting for happy events-perhaps a wedding,the birth of a child, or a reunion with people we love - can fill us with anticipatory joy long before the day of fulfillment.  That joy is intensified if we use the waiting time wisely, making preparations for the coming event.

When we have complete confidence that our expectations will be fulfilled-even if we do not know when they will be fulfilled-the waiting period does not have to 'make the heart sick.'  God's faithful worshipers know that Christ's Millennial Reign is imminent.  They are confident that they will see the end of death and disease.  With eager anticipation they joyfully await the time when they will welcome back billions from the dead, including their dead loved ones.  (Revelation 20:1-3, 6; 21:3, 4)  In these times of ecological crisis, they relish the certain prospect of seeing Paradise established on earth.  (Isaiah 35:1, 2, 7)   How wise, then, to use the waiting time judiciously, "always having plenty to do in the work of the Lord!"  (1 Corinthians 15:58)  Keep on taking in spiritual food.   Build an even closer relationship with Jehovah.  Seek out others whose hearts move them to serve Jehovah.  Encourage fellow believers.  Take the fullest advantage of whatever time Jehovah will yet allow.  Then, waiting on Jehovah will never make you 'sick at heart.' Instead, it will fill you with joy!

Next time:  "The Times of Restoration" Are at Hand!

The Watchtower, 2000