The Waiting Room

Lectio Divina out loud: Erika Dix looks for something else to distract her during a time of waiting.  

Wait for the LORD, take courage; be stouthearted, wait for the LORD! (Psalm 27:14)

Waiting is tough, especially when what we are waiting for has either a good outcome or an undesired outcome. When you are waiting, what do you do? Nowadays, we find something to distract us. Phones, books, sports, work, crafts, social media, movies and shows: anything to keep our minds off of what we are waiting for.

Take Courage

This verse from Psalm 27 speaks to me loud and clear — wait for the LORD! I am currently waiting for something, and I honestly do not know what the outcome will be. It is scary to not know that outcome, so this verse is giving me what I need to hear right now. That we are told by the psalmist to “take courage” and “be stouthearted” means that I am not the first to feel the way I do. Waiting and not knowing can crumble a person into a pile of fear, which is a devastating feeling. Where can we find the courage and a strong heart under that pressure?

The LORD, the LORD!

The fact that the psalmist says “Wait for the LORD” not just once but twice means it is something to pay attention to. I hear it as paying attention to the LORD, for He will do something for my good. It may not be the exact outcome that I am looking for, but it will be an outcome for my benefit. If we are waiting for a loved one’s outcome, it will be for their benefit. If we have been waiting a long time for the outcome, it will still be for something good.

A Strong Heart

The verse just before this verse says it clearly, “I believe I shall see the LORD’s goodness” (Psalm 27:13), so our strong hearts can come from that. Belief and faith in God’s goodness will see us through every waiting period — all the way to the end. It is better than distractions, and I love knowing that God wants to give me what I need for my good. So right now, I will believe and wait. I will wait for the LORD!

Prayer:

Lord, I am grateful that You are working for my good, and that You are there for me in the waiting. I will use my strong heart and find the courage to make it through this period of waiting, as well as make this time for You.

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Copyright 2026 Erika Dix
Images: Canva