Luther on Psalm 130:5:
Therefore the psalmist says: “I wait for the Lord; that is, in this crying and cross-bearing I did not retreat or despair; nor did I trust in my own merit. I trusted in God’s grace alone, which I desire, and I wait for God to help me when it pleases Him.†Now there are some who want to set the goal, appoint the hour and measure, and prescribe to God how they are to be helped. And if they do not experience this, they despair; or, if possible, they seek help elsewhere. These do not tarry and wait for the Lord. God is supposed to wait for them, be ready at once, and help exactly as they themselves have designed. Those who wait for the Lord, however, ask for mercy; but they leave it to God’s gracious will when, how, where, and by what means He helps them. They have no doubt about His aid, but they do not give it a name. They let God christen and name it, even if it is delayed immeasurably long. But he who designates the help, does not receive it; for he does not wait and submit to God’s council, will, and delay. ((Luther, M. (1999). Vol. 14: Luther’s works, vol. 14 : Selected Psalms III (J. J. Pelikan, H. C. Oswald & H. T. Lehmann, Ed.). Luther’s Works (Ps 130:5). Saint Louis: Concordia Publishing House.))
Many Christians in our day and age reckon that if they believe enough, give enough, pray enough, they will move God to do their will. They say “name it, claim it.” People will be healed immediately. Debts will disappear. Relationships will be reconciled. Sadly when this false practice of Christianity does not produce the promised results, they move on to idols.
But true Christianity is marked by incessant waiting. Faith does not demand immediate action from God, but waits on him, trusting his mercy. Yes, true faith waits, even if God delays immeasurably long. We wait. God names it. He delivers it.
