What is 3R Thursday?

3R Thursday is a newsletter published every Thursday that contains ruminations, reflections, and readings to encourage Christians in the pursuit of Truth, Goodness, and Beauty.

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3R Thursday: Eager Expectations vs. Patiently Waiting

Rumination

In the course of modernity, we are inundated with the desire to have everything instantaneously. We want instant gratification and we want it now! From same-day deliveries to instant downloads, we are conditioned to expect immediate results. But what happens when our spiritual lives don't align with this 'here-and-now' culture? Psalm 37:7-9 offers profound wisdom for such times.

Reflection

These verses are a powerful reminder that our timeline and God's timeline are often not in sync. While society urges us to rush, God calls us to patience. The Psalmist encourages us to wait upon the Lord, and this waiting is not idle but expectant, full of hope and trust.

I had this scripture referenced on the back of my letter jacket in high school. It still “has my back” after all these years.

Back then, I was incredibly frustrated at the guys that were naturally athletic. I would work hard—certainly harder than them—and yet they could run faster, jump higher, and lift more. How? It didn’t make sense. And the more I focused on the “one who prospers in his way,” the more resentful I became.

Where was I placing my hope? Not in the Lord’s timing, that’s for sure.

Yet the pattern remains. I may have felt that way about high school athletics then and scoff at such trivialities now, but I fall into the same trap when I see classmates, colleagues, and other 30-somethings who are more successful than me. Heck, even Jacob received blessings and riches despite tricking Esau (Genesis 26-30).

Anger, resentment, and discontentment reverberate in the form of snide thoughts:

• “How can they make so much money doing that?”

• “I went to law school for crying out loud and I still can’t afford to do that.”

• “I’m smarter than them. How are they more successful than me?”

• “God, when will you finally let me catch a break? Why can’t it be easy?”

It's easy to look around and be disheartened by those who seem to prosper despite their malapert path. But the Psalmist warns against this. Instead, we are reminded to refrain from anger and avoid allowing our frustrations to lead us down a path of discontentment. For in God's perfect timing, justice will prevail, and those who remain patient will “inherit the land.”

In the throes of our impatience, how can we remain grounded?

1. Glorify the Lord with Your Work: In Psalm 29:1-2, the Psalmist says: "Ascribe to the Lord, O heavenly beings, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness." Let all that you do be an act of worship, giving Him the honor He rightly deserves.

2. Do Everything for the Glory of God: In 1 Corinthians 10:31, Paul says: "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." Every action, no matter how small, can be an offering to Him when done with the right intention.

3. Work with All Your Might: The author of Ecclesiastes says: "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might..." (Eccl 9:10). Pour your energy into your endeavors, trusting that God will use your efforts for His purpose.

4. Work Heartily for the Lord: Paul says to the Colossians: "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men..." (Col. 3:23). It's easy to lose motivation when our focus is on worldly recognition. Instead, work heartily as for the Lord.

5. When confronted with the Altar of the Unknown Future, meditate on God’s promise that “those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land?” (v. 9). These questions have helped me to dive deeper into the nuances of patience and contentment.

   a. Can you recall a moment in your life when you felt particularly challenged to wait on the Lord's timing? How did you handle the situation, and in hindsight, can you see the purpose in the waiting?

   b. In what ways do you feel society's push for instant gratification has influenced your personal spiritual journey? Are there specific areas where you struggle to reconcile the world's pace with God's pace?

   c. Reflect on your daily actions. How often do you consciously do things for the glory of God? Are there areas in your life where you can realign your intentions to better serve and honor Him?

   d. Psalm 37:7-9 touches on not fretting over others who seem to prosper. Can you identify moments when you've felt envious of others' successes, especially if you felt they were undeserving? How did you handle those feelings, and how can you turn to scripture for guidance in such times?

   e. Consider practical ways you can cultivate patience in your spiritual life. Are there habits, rituals, or practices you can introduce to remind yourself of the value of waiting on the Lord?

While the world may push us towards instant gratification, let's challenge ourselves to lean into God's rhythm instead. It may not always align with our desires, but God’s timing is always perfect. By grounding ourselves in God's word and working diligently for His glory, we can find the patience and strength to wait upon the Lord. Let Psalm 37 calm our restless souls, reminding us of the ultimate reward that awaits those who wait patiently on Him.

For those of you listening to the podcast, I encourage you this week to reflect on these verses. Consider how you might realign your desires and actions to better resonate with God's perfect timing. Peace and blessings to you all.

See you next Thursday,
CFW

Reading: On the balance of hard work and God’s timing

• Ploductivity by Doug Wilson

This week’s 3R Thursday is presented by Rise & Build Academy.

If you know of a 10-12th grade student that is interested in law, I am teaching a class this fall entitled FOUNDATIONS OF LAW FROM A CHRISTIAN WORLDVIEW.

More information can be found at Rise & Build Academy.

The introductory lecture can be found here.

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