Daily Word: A Lesson From Coffee

Psalms 37:34 says: Wait on the LORD, And keep His way, And He shall exalt you to inherit the land; When the wicked are cut off, you shall see it. (NKJV) The word for wait in Hebrew is qawah and it means to await with the notion of holding on strongly; and during the time becoming wound together with the object of the waiting. This involves taking some time of reflection, quietness, and meditation. Waiting is active and not passive. This is not a new age emptying; it is a Biblical filling with the very words of God. This can't be done on a fast food basis. There is no drive in "waiting." This is like fine dining. It takes a while and it is meant to be enjoyed.

I think many of us have a hard time waiting. The way we drink coffee exposes our hastiness. In France, if you would like to drink coffee, you would go to a coffee shop. You could sit outside, but you would notice that the chairs all face the street or walkway. You leisurely drink your coffee contemplating all that passes before you. Now think about how we drink coffee. If you like fine coffee, you head to Starbucks. You stand in a line until you are called. You pay and move to another location to receive your coffee. You get your coffee in a paper cup and out you go to your next appointment. Where is the relaxation in that? Everything is designed to accompany our busy schedules. If we are going to wait on the Lord, we are going to have to make time to wait. It can be done, but it will take effort.

Today, look at your schedule. Are you always in a hurry? If so, make time to wait. For thirty minutes to an hour, the world can do without you. Take the time to enjoy the wait. Spend time reflecting on the beauty of God's work in your life and in those you know about. Enjoy the beauty of creation, and if the phone rings, ignore it.