Whats Your Reason For Waiting?

The fever had been high late into the night, but at 2:30 A.M., it broke. The little girl's mother breathed out in relief. She'll be O.K. in the morning, she thought.

Harry shifted into second as he approached the top of the hill. It's 2:45 and 330 miles to go before Tulsa, he told himself, as he started imagining the hotcakes and sausages at Dolly's Diner. He looked to the eastern horizon. Stars stared back at him from the very rim.

Bernice peered through the gap in the curtains, careful not to move them for fear someone would notice. Though it was ten minutes 'til three, the noise next door continued: words and objects sailing through the air, hurting and crashing when they hit. Bernice wondered if this apartment had been a good move after all. Cheaper is not always better, especially when you're 77 and all alone. She stayed close to the phone, its 9-1-1 programmed into the auto-dialer. If only morning would come, she worried. Surely they'll be worn out by then. She expected a gun shot at any moment.

Paul's eyes popped open at 3:02. Still dark? he frowned. Every year the same thing. The night before the State Fair seems to last forever. He rolled over and tried to go back to sleep.

All four longed for dawn, each for his or her own reason.

The poet says: "My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning" (Ps. 130:6). Whether your reason is concern for an ailing loved one, a desire to complete your task, fear of physical harm, anticipation of something wonderful, or some other reason, wait for the Lord--eagerly and confidently. Like the dawn, the Lord is worth the wait.

Copyright ©2005 Steve Singleton, All rights reserved.

Steve Singleton has written and edited several books and numerous articles on subjects of interest to Bible students. He has taught Greek, Bible, and religious studies courses Bible college, university, and adult education programs. He has taught seminars and workshops in 11 states and the Caribbean.

Go to his DeeperStudy.com for Bible study resources, no matter what your level of expertise. Explore "The Shallows," plumb "The Depths," or use the well-organized "Study Links" for original sources in English translation. Sign up for Steve's free "DeeperStudy Newsletter."

In The News:

Yahoo! News: Top Stories

Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich makes a statement at a news conference Friday, Jan. 9, 2009 in Chicago, after he was impeached by the Illinois House on a wide array of offenses including criminal corruption and wasting taxpayers money. The two-term Democrat becomes the first governor in the history of Illinois to be impeached. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty)AP - The Illinois House voted overwhelmingly Friday to impeach Gov. Rod Blagojevich, setting up an unprecedented trial in the state Senate on whether he should be thrown out for abuse of power, including allegations that he tried to sell President-elect Barack Obama's vacant Senate seat.



Smoke caused by explosions from Israeli military operations hangs in the sky over the outskirts of Gaza City as seen from the Israel-Gaza Border, Friday, Jan. 9, 2009. The U.N. Security Council called for an 'immediate' and 'durable' cease-fire in Gaza, but an intense bombardment of missiles from Israeli jets and helicopters early Friday and a barrage of Hamas rockets indicated there would be no rapid end to the fighting. (AP Photo/Anja Niedringhaus)AP - Israeli jets and ground troops hammered at Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip and Islamic militants fired barrages of rockets at southern Israeli cities Friday, ignoring a U.N. resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire after two weeks of combat.



Steve Pruitt, from Belle Chasse, La., fills out an employment application during a Dollar General job fair in Metairie, La., Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009. The nation's unemployment rate bolted to 7.2 percent in December, the highest since early 1993, as nervous employers slashed 524,000 jobs. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)AP - The nation's unemployment rate bolted to 7.2 percent in December, the highest level in 16 years, as nervous employers slashed 524,000 jobs, capping one of the worst years in modern history for American workers.



President-elect Barack Obama speaks about the economy at George Mason University in Fairfax, Va.,  Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)AP - President-elect Barack Obama said Friday that he and Congress will "hone and refine" his nearly $800 billion economic recovery plan, as he seeks to patch fissures with senior Democrats over key features of the still-emerging plan.



This Dec. 15, 2008 file photo shows Baltimore Mayor Shelia Dixon in Baltimore. Baltimore City Councilman Helen L. Holton and developer Ronald H. Lipscomb were indicted Wednesday  Jan. 7, 2009, on public corruption charges, the first major indictments in a long-running probe of City Hall that has also targeted Dixon. The mayor has not been charged with any crimes in the indictment. (AP Photo/Rob Carr, File)AP - Mayor Sheila Dixon was indicted Friday on charges that she accepted illegal gifts during her time as mayor and City Council president, including travel, fur coats and gift cards intended for the poor that she allegedly used instead for a holiday shopping spree.



Texas death row inmate Andre Thomas is shown in this undated handout file photo released Friday, Jan. 9, 2009 in Huntsville, Texas. Thomas, who has a history of mental problems is being treated at a prison psychiatric unit after authorities said he pulled out his only good eye and ate it.  He similarly had plucked out his right eye before his trial in 2004. (AP Photo/Texas Department of Criminal Justice, FILE)AP - A Texas death row inmate with a history of mental problems pulled out his only good eye and told authorities he ate it.



Tyre Dawn and her son, Lukyan, 4, are seen  outside an organic food store, Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2009, in Ashland, Ore. There are so many parents in this outdoorsy, Zen-loving, organic-eating town who won't get their kids vaccinated that federal doctors are paying just to hear their side of things. On Saturday,  Jan. 10,  locals will get $50 apiece to talk about their worries over the risks of childhood shots. This town doesn't trust the government.  (AP Photo/Jeff Barnard)AP - There are so many parents in this free-spirited, unconventional small town who won't get their kids vaccinated that federal researchers are paying money just to hear their side of things. On Saturday, 80 locals will get $50 apiece to talk about their worries over the risks of childhood shots.



In this Nov. 28, 2005 file photo, actor Patrick Swayze poses for the photographers, prior to the premiere of his new film 'Keeping Mum' at a Leicester Square cinema in central London. (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis, file)AP - Patrick Swayze has checked himself into the hospital for observation after contracting pneumonia, A&E President Abbe Raven announced Friday at a meeting of the Television Critics Association.



AP - A man may have tipped his intentions when he stood in line at an Ohio bank wearing a ski mask before staging a holdup. Police in Stow near Akron say a 24-year-old man was arrested minutes later on Thursday following a brief car chase.

In this Nov. 23, 2008 file photo, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning rolls out as he looks for a receiver during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the San Diego Chargers in San Diego. Manning made The Associated Press 2008 NFL All-Pro team announced Friday Jan. 9, 2009.  (AP Photo/Denis Poroy, File)AP - A changing of the guard — and tackles and running backs and receivers — saw 15 first-timers make The Associated Press 2008 NFL All-Pro team announced Friday. While such standbys as three-time NFL Most Valuable Player Peyton Manning and six-time All-Pro Ray Lewis made the squad, there was plenty of room for newcomers. Ten of the 14 offensive players and five of the 13 on defense had never been All-Pros.



Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich speaks during a news conference in Chicago, Illinois January 9, 2009, as he points to Illinois residents that he clamed have been helped by the issues that are now being used as the Illinois House voted to impeachment him. (Stephen J. Carrera/Reuters)Reuters - The Illinois House of Representatives impeached Gov. Rod Blagojevich on Friday for abuse of power, including a charge that he tried to sell President-elect Barack Obama's former U.S. Senate seat.



Palestinians collect their belongings from their destroyed house after an Israeli air strike in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip January 8, 2009. (Ibraheem Abu Mustafa/Reuters)Reuters - Israel rejected a U.N. resolution calling for a ceasefire in the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip on Friday and warplanes and tanks pounded the Palestinian enclave.



Former Treasury Secretary Robert Rubin participates in a panel discussion about Poverty Alleviation at the Clinton Global Initiative, in New York, September 20, 2006. (Chip East/Reuters)Reuters - Robert Rubin, the former Treasury Secretary, resigned from Citigroup Inc on Friday, following months of criticism of his performance at the giant U.S. bank.



Reuters - President-elect Barack Obama and a key Democratic lawmaker revealed plans on Friday to overhaul the government's $700 billion financial rescue fund as a way to aid struggling homeowners and speed the flow of credit.

Employers slashed payrolls by 524,000 in December, driving the unemployment rate to its highest level in almost 16 years, a government report showed on Friday, suggesting that the year-long recession was deepening. (Graphic/Reuters)Reuters - The U.S. unemployment rate surged to the highest in nearly 16 years last month as a deepening year-long recession forced companies to axe more than half a million jobs, government data showed on Friday.



Voters fill their ballots during the U.S. presidential election in West Hollywood, California November 4, 2008. (Mario Anzuoni/Reuters)Reuters - The U.S. Supreme Court said on Friday it would consider a challenge to a central provision of the 44-year-old voting rights law aimed at preventing states and local governments from making it harder for minorities to vote.



A foreclosed home is seen in Stockton, California in this May 13, 2008 file photo. A top bank industry group said on Friday that it opposes an agreement between financial giant Citigroup Inc  (Robert Galbraith/Files/Reuters)Reuters - A top bank industry group said on Friday that it opposes an agreement between Citigroup Inc and Democratic senators that would rewrite U.S. bankruptcy law to help troubled mortgage borrowers avoid foreclosure, saying it could make home loans more expensive.



A man works near a pressure gauge at a district heating plant in Skopje January 8, 2009. (Ognen Teofilovski/Reuters)Reuters - The European Union sought to finalize details on Friday of a gas monitoring deal to allow the resumption of gas supplies to Europe via Ukraine, which have been cut off for days over a pricing row.



A relative of Palestinian journalist Ihab al-Wihedi and his wife mourns prior to their funeral in Gaza City. Tanks and warplanes pounded Gaza on Friday after Israel defied a truce order from the UN Security Council as the death toll from the two-week-old conflict against Hamas passed 800.(AFP/Mahmud Hams)AFP - Tanks and warplanes pounded Gaza on Friday after Israel defied a truce order from the UN Security Council as the death toll from the two-week-old conflict against Hamas passed 800.



This US Navy photo shows the MV Sirius Star as it is observed at anchor by the US Navy. Somali pirates said Friday they had freed a Saudi-owned supertanker, whose capture nearly two months ago caused panic in international shipping and spurred the world into tougher anti-piracy action.(AFP/NVNS/David B. Hudson)AFP - Somali pirates said Friday they had freed a Saudi-owned supertanker, whose capture nearly two months ago caused panic in international shipping and spurred the world into tougher anti-piracy action.




Principles That Govern My Life

The strength and durability of a building is found in its foundation.... Read More

When Failure is a Gift

I wanted, for many many years, to be a mystery writer. Finally... Read More

Afraid of The Light?

Plato once said, "It is easy to forgive a small child afraid... Read More

4 Abundant Ways To Add FIRE To Your Passion!

How many times have you found yourself dreaming you were more passionate?What... Read More

Taking Life Head On

"We are built to conquer environment, solve problems, achieve goals and we... Read More

Spirits Language: How to Tell Whos Who in Your Inner Conversations

Your Spirit is continuously beaming communications to you. As long as your... Read More

Extreme Self Care

EXTREME is not a term usually connected to self-care. Self-care usually portrays... Read More

How to Pray on Water! Announcing Life-Changing Bible Code - Discover Amazing Water Scriptures!

Water is the source of life, yet so few of us understand... Read More

20 Ways To Improve Your Life

People often ask me how they can improve their lives.I always give... Read More

What We Believe We Create - Love is the Creation

I once was told by the Angels that our concept of Love... Read More

All You Want is Within Your Reach

If there is one thing that I believe with all my heart... Read More

Heavy Weather Guide

Direct Answers - Column for the week of April 26, 2004My girlfriend... Read More

Dont Let The Door Hit You Where The Good Lord Split You!

I knew precisely what I wanted. I felt that success was only... Read More

Its A Brand New Day

Waking up one day and realizing your world just isn't working for... Read More

Nine Lives

Direct Answers - Column for the week of September 2, 2002My husband... Read More

To Thine Own Self

Direct Answers - Column for the week of December 6, 2004Someone gave... Read More

Anam Cara - Finding a Song for the Heart

All this week I have been singing.This week I have been dancing... Read More

Have You Lost Focus?

Matthew 5:14-16You are the light of the world. A city on a... Read More

The Shattered Identity

I. ExpositionIn the movie "Shattered" (1991), Dan Merrick survives an accident and... Read More

Anamchara - Living An Essential Life

What is essential in your life? This question contains one of the... Read More

What Movies Can Teach You About Meaningful Coincidences (Use Them to Get What You Want)

When you have your dream clear in your mind and you go... Read More

Encouraging Blossoms of Achievement

The tiny dogwood sapling was only a twig when my mother planted... Read More

Problem Solving: The Easy Way To Solve Problems In Life

Life is full of problems.The more you solve them, the more new... Read More

America, A Depository Of The Gifts Of The World

Wow, it's a new year and a new millennium! What a privilege... Read More

A Childs Plight

In the streets of Bogotá, a child - named Simon* - wanders... Read More

On Stand-by

Direct Answers - Column for the week of April 28, 2003My wife... Read More

Something About Nothing

Buddhists study nothing because they have found that you must know nothing... Read More

Why My Wife Is My Hero

My name is Chas Brothers. Many of you know me as an... Read More

The Most Powerful Question Ever Asked?

What if every experience in your life is sent to you so... Read More

To Raise Your Frequency, Just Turn on the Joy!

The feeling response to being filled up with Love from your Spirit... Read More

Switch to a Better Channel!

Peril, catastrophe and disaster.These are our friends, allies and mentors.Appearing as enemies... Read More

Misplaced Allegiance

Direct Answers - Column for the week of June 23, 2003I am... Read More

Finding Inspiration to Realise Your Dreams and Ambitions

"Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people... Read More

Conspiracy of Silence

Direct Answers - Column for the week of January 12, 2004I'm hoping... Read More

Showing Your Appreciation - How To Make Others Feel Special

"There are fine things which you mean to do someday, under what... Read More

Where Has All the ENCHANTMENT Gone? Long Time Passing

I thought you might enjoy reading a professional article I prepared several... Read More

My Life With Furniture

These days, I find the lines are blurred between school and Real... Read More

False Start

Direct Answers - Column for the week of July 7, 2003.I was... Read More

Lesson Learned

Direct Answers - Column for the week of December 9, 2002I was... Read More

Songs of Life

I imagine when we die we find out how in-tune with our... Read More

Using Appreciation to Make a Difference

When in 1996 a local Secondary School opened, the staff decided to... Read More

In Search For Wealth

My eldest son phoned me the other night to let me know... Read More

Everyday is a Gift, Open and Enjoy It

There is a bottle of perfume sitting on my dresser that I... Read More

Get Your Guidance and Get to Know Your True Self

Many people feel they have everything they need in life, yet happiness... Read More

Impaired Judgment

Direct Answers - Column for the week of September 23, 2002My husband... Read More

Your James Bond Fantasies Become Real

The problem with this is that fantasies usually don't come by chance.... Read More

Spiritual Bread Making

All the ingredients to make 12 loaves of bread already exist. The... Read More