You’ve prayed. You’ve waited. You’ve prayed again and waited some more. You’ve had other people pray — and you’re still waiting.
Which begs the question: How do we do life in the tension of the already/not yet?
Three parallel phrases in Scripture speak to the “in between” places of our lives.
- Psalm 84 describes pilgrims on their way to Zion going “from strength to strength.“
- Romans 1:17 says the righteousness of God is revealed, a righteousness that is “from faith to faith.“
- 2 Corinthians 3:18 describes believers as being transformed “from glory to glory.“
We’re on a journey. Our lives are in a constant state of transition. We’re continually moving from one degree of strength and faith and glory to the next.
Maybe you’re thinking, That’s great and all, but it feels like I’ve been stuck between strengths and faiths and glories for a long time!
I understand; I’ve been there. Here are a few helpful things I’ve learned in navigating the waiting seasons of life:
1. Take joy in the moment. Celebrate the small victories in your life.
Instead of obsessing about the healing that hasn’t come, or the finances that aren’t there, or that broken relationship you want to fix, be intentional about noticing the good things in your day.
Years ago, during a long season of health challenges, I did a fun home school assignment with my youngest son– learning fractions by baking cookies.
I could feel a fatigue spell coming on, but we got the lesson done and the cookies baked before I had to rest. I still recall the joy I felt at that small victory.
No matter what’s going on in your life, don’t be robbed of joy in the moment.
2. Get out in nature. There’s something about God’s creation that soothes and heals the human soul and body like nothing else. If you can’t get outside, sit near a window. Look at the sky, the birds, the trees.
God heals us and speaks to us through his beautiful creation. Treat yourself to it.
3. Be lighthearted. You don’t have to solve your dilemma right this second. Quit trying to fix it. Be normal. Like the lovable rascal in “What About Bob,” take a vacation from your problems.
We once befriended a couple who were rebuilding their marriage after the devastation of an affair. Over a meal together, we kept things light and silly.
The wife later told me that laughing with friends was the best possible medicine for her and her husband that night. They’d been obsessed with working on their marriage, and needed a break.
4. Help someone else. Pray for them. Give them your time and energy. Setting aside your own situation for the moment and focusing on the other is a great way to turn pain into purpose.
5. Let yourself be stretched. Say yes to a new challenge. It’s easy to give up when you don’t feel well in body or soul.
Truth is, you will never be able to repeat this season in your life. What do you want to take with you when it’s over?
5. Stay in the Word. Read it. Study it. Read it some more. This is not a chore; it’s life-giving nourishment. Stay centered by getting God’s truth in you every day.
6. Worship God. You can worship with a praise or with a lament; you can give God your hallelujahs as well as your tears. Just don’t avoid him. He’s the author of your story and always deserves your whole heart. When you worship him, you act according to your design.
As you move from one strength/faith/glory to the next, take heart. You can live well in the in between.
