In the Waiting
Oct 28
/
Alaine Thomson Buchanan

A group of comrades and I meet about once a month during the school year to talk about God, life, ministry, work, and any questions we would like our friends to help us answer. We are a group of pastors, ministers, educators, business people, entrepreneurs, wives, and moms who love Jesus…and who do not fit into other people’s boxes very well. In our last gathering, all of us were struck by the question, “What does waiting look like for you?”
As ideas about fasting, praying, trusting God, and “telling it like it is” circled our group, I considered how I would answer this question. When my turn came, here is what I said: It depends on whether there is a known or unknown timeframe for a decision. When I know a decision is coming, regardless of whether I am making that decision or someone else is making that decision for me, I come up with every single possible scenario I can think of and imagine how I might respond…and then I get stressed out and realize I need to spend a half day with Jesus, which is when and where the tangibility of God’s love, presence and kindness surround me. The peace that comes from doing this helps me function well in the waiting. When the timeframe for a decision is unknown, I immediately do my half-day with God, and peace comes much more quickly.
Although I plan four hours for my half-day with Jesus, it lasts anywhere from one to four hours, depending on what happens. I start this time by going to a place where it’s easy for me to sense God’s presence and say, “Here I am, God.” I walk around a bit, explore nature, and observe the people around me. When I sense the time is right, I sit in silence for a bit, and then I ask God three questions: 1) What would you like to say to me? 2) How would you like me to respond? 3) Where do you want me to go from here?
These three questions guide the entirety of the remainder of my half-day with God. There are times when I sense it’s okay to move on to the next part of my day. There are other times when my time with Jesus feels like a scavenger hunt, and I’m going from place to place, listening to the Spirit of God, interacting with the people who God directs me to say something to, staying still for some moments or quietly noticing whatever it is God wants me to see or hear. Regardless, when this time with Jesus culminates, I know I’ve been with God, and I walk away with a greater awareness of God’s presence within and surrounding me. This then gives me peace and hope, which helps me to operate with kindness and fortitude while I wait.
I encourage you to try this, too. Here are some Scriptures that might be helpful with becoming still and noticing the presence of God around you in the midst of waiting.
All come from the NASB:
Psalm 27:13-14 I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and let your heart take courage. Yes, wait for the LORD.
Psalm 37:7-8 Be still in the LORD and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who carries out wicked schemes. Cease from anger and forsake wrath. Do not fret; it leads only to evildoing.
Psalm 130:5-6 I wait for the LORD, my soul does wait, And in His word do I hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than the watchmen for the morning; Indeed, more than the watchmen for the morning.
Lamentations 3:24-26 The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I have hope in Him.” The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, To the person who seeks Him. It is good that he waits silently for the salvation of the LORD.
If you decide to try this, I would love to hear your thoughts. I am also curious to know: What does waiting look like for you? Let’s share our ideas and learn from each other.

Alaine Thomson Buchanan
Alaine is an ordained minister, spiritual director, an active duty Army chaplain's spouse, and a mom.
She holds a PhD in Second Temple Literature and History and also teaches Biblical Studies (including history, theology and world religions) at both the graduate and undergraduate levels.
Alaine is the Dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies and Dean of Digital Education at North Central University in Minneapolis, MN.
She has received certification in trauma care through the Allender Center and in Spiritual Direction through the Companioning Center. In spiritual direction, Alaine loves to walk alongside those who are journeying through liminal spaces. She specializes in discernment, integration healing, focusing, spiritual formation practices and group spiritual direction. She is a fan of tea, chocolate, and all the Seattle sports teams.
She can be found on Facebook, Instagram and LInkedin.
Alaine is an ordained minister, spiritual director, an active duty Army chaplain's spouse, and a mom.
She holds a PhD in Second Temple Literature and History and also teaches Biblical Studies (including history, theology and world religions) at both the graduate and undergraduate levels.
Alaine is the Dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies and Dean of Digital Education at North Central University in Minneapolis, MN.
She has received certification in trauma care through the Allender Center and in Spiritual Direction through the Companioning Center. In spiritual direction, Alaine loves to walk alongside those who are journeying through liminal spaces. She specializes in discernment, integration healing, focusing, spiritual formation practices and group spiritual direction. She is a fan of tea, chocolate, and all the Seattle sports teams.
She can be found on Facebook, Instagram and LInkedin.