The Waiting

“But I am poor and needy; hasten to me, O God! You are my help and my deliverer; O Lord, do not delay!” Psalm 70:5

I’m tired. I stayed up too late, woke up too early. My lack of sleep doesn’t change the fact that we still do not know who won the presidential election. Counting votes takes time (and so may ensuing legal challenges) and we should take all the time we need. But that doesn’t make it easier to wait.

Waiting is not something most of us are very good at. The psalmist gives voice to this, pleading that God would come with rescue and deliverance. This psalm, appointed for Sunday, is not a cry of praise after victory but a cry for help in the midst of the struggle.

So we wait. Both for the results of the election and for whatever that will mean for our shared life together. We wait, with hope and with prayer.

But we don’t have to wait for the Lord. Christ is with us. And we don’t have to wait to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God. God’s presence and our calling are the same as it was yesterday. Thanks be to God.

Today, be kind to one another; be kind to yourself.

Be well, friends. You are loved.

God, make your presence known to us. In this time of uncertainty, keep us certain of your love, mercy, and grace. Help us to use this time of waiting to care for one another. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Image: “Deus in adiutorium meum intende” from Psalm 70, Mainz Book of Hours, c. 1450 (public domain).