Click above to listen to a portion of My Soul Silently Waits as you read, from the new album Climb to the Sky. Visit climbtothesky.com for links to this 10th and newest album, music video, CD, MP3 Album, Sheet Music, iTunes, Amazon, and Spotify.

What are you waiting on?

Sometimes people ask us this question when it is obvious to them what our next step should be. Other times we are asking ourselves. There is tension in the waiting as we decide what we will do. A friend of mine describes this as “active patience.”

We all seem to have a favorite way to practice silence. It could be walking on the beach, driving in the mountains, hiking in the woods, or sitting in our favorite chair at home. Wherever you are on your faith journey, I encourage you to invest time in listening for God’s voice, and to ask God to speak into your current situation. This is the essence of the song My Soul Silently Waits.

Take a moment to reflect on the verses below, which I have found very helpful for seeking discernment with a decision, or seeing things more clearly in my circumstances. In addition to reading Scripture, it helps me to rephrase the verses into a personal prayer back to God. Then there is more of a conversation with Him, through both speaking and listening.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” — Joshua 1:9 (NIV)

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go: I will counsel you and watch over you…the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him.” — Psalm 32:8 and 32:10 (NIV 1984)

“For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.” — Psalm 62:1 (ESV)

“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” — John 15:5 (ESV)

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)

“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” — Philippians 4:12-13 (NIV, ESV)

Which of these (or another passage) speaks into your waiting?