Psalm 40:1,3a – I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. (NIV)

As all my friends know, I love music and play the piano and organ. I invite you to listen as a special solo is going through my head. Yes, I never sing a solo, but listen: "O rest in the Lord, wait patiently for Him." It's from Mendelssohn's oratorio, "Elijah". But, O Lord, I am not very patient, and rarely wait even for myself to finish a job carefully and well before setting it aside to try something else. Rarely do I pray about it first. I am on the go – go – go — just like most of society these days. Rarely do I trust my thoughts and actions to any preliminary action and guidance from the Lord. My mind is not still. God rarely seems to give me my heart's desire, as Mendelssohn suggests. I am wondering now whether this is why my blood pressure is always high. I think the Lord is trying to tell me something.

As today verses remind us, "I waited patiently for the Lord. He put a new song in my mouth." So that is where the music comes from — the Lord puts it in my mouth. But when I am too tired to sing, too worked up over what I need to do next, I am not waiting patiently for the Lord. I have experienced the calmness that comes when I do wait for the Lord to go ahead of me, but how can I wait patiently when there is a lot on my mind and a lot to do?

Can we learn how to let the Lord go ahead of us through all our ups and downs? That is what maturing in the Christian faith is all about. I have been able to feel fulfilled recently as God's Word flowed through my fingers while I typed my latest book with ease. Yes, I live in peace now, and my mind is at rest, knowing that the Lord has been using me. With God's blessing, I can feel the difference.

Resting in the Lord, praying for His love, changes the way we feel in everything we go through, not just on Sundays, but at work and at play with our children, grandchildren, and friends. We rest – rest – rest in the Lord. It is wonderful to be so loved and provided for by our Lord as we go through each day. We wait patiently for the Lord, and He puts a new song in our hearts! Sadly, it is learning how to wait on Him that is difficult, but as we wait, He does put a new song in our mouths, and our hearts are also singing.

Prayer: Lord, as we sing Your praises, we thank You for loving us so much that You put a constant song in our hearts. Together with family and friends, we rest in the Lord all day long. Teach us, O Lord, how to diligently rest and leave all our concerns for You to deal with. Your love reaches out with a helping hand and a faithful arm as others gather round, and in faith and trust, join in the song of praise. Amen.

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