Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD. (‭Psalms‬ ‭27‬:‭14‬ NLT)

One of the hardest moments to wait through in my life was when my wife went into surgery. It was a minor procedure but still required intubation.

I’ll never forget the feeling as I stood in the corridor and watched them wheel her down the long hallway towards the OR and turned the corner out of sight. I stood there for several seconds after she was out of sight. Ever operation has it’s risks. And with my wife being in the medical field I know of them all too well.

Would I ever see her again this side of heaven? What about the kids? What about (fill in the blank)? A hundred thoughts in a split second. And then….peace. Strange peace. How? Why?

I chose to place my trust in Jesus. I could do nothing. Even my wife who I trust and is so strong could do nothing. Our future was in the Lords hands and the hands of the physicians. In times like these Psalm 27:14 is so guiding for the soul.

It tells us to be brave and courageous. Absolutely necessary. But more importantly, two times it commands us to wait patiently for The Lord. It centers us back upon the one who is ultimately in charge. Who we can ultimately depend on. Even if life or our current circumstances don’t go as planned.

As I waited and watched snow falling gently in the commons, everything in me wanted to do something and I could feel stress wanting to knot my stomach. Yet, I found peace in doing nothing and the stress was kept at bay. Truth be told, I did do something, the best thing. I waited patiently upon The Lord. And his promise of peace was received.

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. (‭John‬ ‭14‬:‭27‬ NLT)

Next time you find yourself in stressful circumstances beyond your control, wait patiently for The Lord and receive his gift of peace.