the waiting is the hardest part

This morning at Colossae, we opened worship with the song Everlasting God, written by Brenton Brown (and recorded by a whole host of other folks, including my favorite version by Chris Tomlin). It is a simple song based on Isaiah 40:28-31. Since I first heard the song several years ago, it has been one of my favorites. The song opens with the powerfully repetitious stanza: "Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord. We will wait upon the Lord. We will wait upon the Lord." These words are a beautiful reminder or our need to wait patiently on the One who sustains us.

And yet today, I found it nearly impossible to sing. Not because I doubt the truth that these words express, but because of the sheer difficulty of doing what they say. I often lack the patience needed to wait, for anything. Still, some things are worth waiting for, even if it is difficult. As Tom Petty once sang, "the waiting is the hardest part." 
 
"Everlasting God" (just so you can hear the song)
Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord

Our God, You reign forever
Our hope, our Strong Deliverer
You are the everlasting God
The everlasting God
You do not faint
You won't grow weary

Our God, You reign forever
Our hope, our Strong Deliverer
You are the everlasting God
The everlasting God
You do not faint
You won't grow weary

You're the defender of the weak
You comfort those in need
You lift us up on wings like eagles