Living Wisely While We Wait

Encounter: Listen or read slowly through Psalm 15, Isaiah 62-66, Proverb 2:1-22, 26:1-28, Psalm 90:1-17, 2 Peter 1-3 underlining or jotting down words that speak to you about choices, wisdom and growing in the knowledge of the ways of God as contrasted with the world.

A friend called me today from two time zones away. My phone is usually set at Do Not Disturb when I’m studying and preparing a sermon for Sunday worship. But not today and I’m glad. The first thing she said was, “I really need to talk to someone, I’m not sure what to do.” It might not sound like a big deal, but I believe asking for insight, understanding and wisdom in our culture is no small thing. Although she felt like she couldn’t hear God’s voice, I reminded her that in longing for guidance from our Creator and asking for help she was already walking in wisdom. 

The Lord says, I was ready to respond, but no one asked for help. I was ready to be found, but no one was looking for me. (Isaiah 65:1)

When life feels delayed, and God seems distant, it’s easy to lose hope or act foolishly. But Scripture calls us to something deeper—wisdom, faithfulness, and longing.

In Isaiah 64–66, we hear the desperate cry: “Oh, that you would burst from the heavens and come down!” It’s a plea for God’s justice and presence, answered with a promise of new creation. We continue to cry out hungry for the wisdom and righteousness of God to come alive in the world we live in. 

And I believe God will reveal the path for each one of us. Peter reminds the church to make every effort to respond to God's promises because it's the promises that enable us to share his divine nature and escape the world's corruption caused by human desires. And then he tells us how that looks. Proverbs shows us the path of wisdom in contrast to the parade of fools. Wisdom doesn’t happen by accident—it must be pursued like hidden treasure. In a world of noise, wisdom is God’s gift for clear living.

We hear God’s voice throughout the scriptures and through sharing and reflecting with other's who are seeking to live life with God. As we listen we hear the Spirit compelling us to have a discerning heart so we can tell the difference between the bad spirit and THE Spirit.

So the Psalmist anchors us: God is eternal, and we are dust. But with that humility comes wisdom. “Teach us to number our days,” Moses prays, “that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

Peter reminds us in his second letter that mockers will scoff at God’s delay. But God’s delay is mercy, not forgetfulness. His timing is for our salvation. His timing can be trusted. 

So how do we live wisely while we wait?

• Pray to experience God's presence.

• Pursue wisdom actively.

• Prepare for Christ’s return.

• Live every day with eternity in view.

The delay is not in vain. Let’s use it well.

Praying for Wisdom as we wait,

Pastor T

Reflect: 

Proverbs 2 talks about seeking wisdom like treasure. What’s one wise decision you’ve made recently—and one foolish one?

2 Peter 3 says God's timing is patience. Do you see God's delay as a gift or a frustration? Why?

Spiritual Practice: Number My Day

A simple evening reflection where you consciously “number your day” by reviewing how you lived it—with wisdom, prayer, purpose, or distraction—and offering it back to God.

How to practice:

1. Set aside 5–10 minutes each evening. Light a candle or sit quietly in a peaceful spot.

2. Read Psalm 90:12 aloud: “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

3. Reflect on three questions:

   • How did I live today?

   • Where did I seek (or miss) God’s wisdom?

   • What do I need to release, confess, or carry into tomorrow?

4. Pray: “Lord, this day is numbered in Your book. Help me live tomorrow with more wisdom, love, and longing for Your return.”

5. Optional: Keep a “Numbered Days” journal with short daily entries.

📖 Gather Small Group Discussion Guide

Opening Prayer: Ask God to speak through His Word and teach your group how to live wisely in this season.

Read Together: Isaiah 64:1–9, Proverbs 2:1–15, 2 Peter 3:1–13, Psalm 90:1–17

Discussion Questions:

1. Isaiah 64 opens with a cry for God to come. When have you felt like that? How can this kind of prayer shape our daily lives?

2. Psalm 90 asks us to number our days. What would you change in your week if you really believed your days were numbered?

3. Which of the 4 action points speaks most to you right now?

   • Pray for God’s Presence

   • Pursue God’s Wisdom

   • Prepare for God’s Return

   • Number Your Days

Closing Activity: Invite group members to write down a specific “wise” step they’ll take this week in response to what they heard.