If you’re anything like me, waiting is painful and you probably don’t like it! When I was at one of my lowest points during this season of unemployment, my dear friend Amanda shared this song, “Take Courage,” by Bethel with me. It has been a huge source of encouragement to me and I thought I would share it with you in case you need to hear this message too.
This song is so powerful because many of the lyrics come straight from God’s word. Waiting is difficult because we are naturally impatient and of course we want to move on to what’s next. But keep in mind, the devil “prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). In times of weakness, or seasons of waiting, it can be easy to get discouraged and listen to Satan’s lies.
Sometimes, these lies come in the form of self-doubt. Other times, people whisper his lies into our ears. Let me tell you some of the lies that have crept up on me over the last year and a half.
Lies We Tell Ourselves When Waiting
- Everyone else seems to be able to get a job, why can’t you get a job?
- No one wants to hire me, I guess I just don’t have what it takes.
- That’s what they’re willing to pay me?! Aren’t I worth more than that?!
- Why did you bother getting your masters? Look what good it did you, you are working a retail job.
- I can’t start a blog…no one will read it! I have nothing to say!
- Why do you need to get a Ph.D.? What are you going to do with it? Do you really need it for your career field?
- I am a loser, a total loser.
- Am I really where God wants me to be right now? Or am I actually just being lazy?
- I can’t apply for that job…I’m not qualified!
- How am I going to survive on this meager retail salary and pay off all my bills and school loans?!
- I can’t start a business, what if I fail?!
Satan’s a Liar – Don’t Listen to Him!
Now, some of these things, you can probably relate to! Especially if you’re unemployed! And some of these statements, you probably think are crazy! But that’s how Satan works. He is a LIAR and he tries to get you while you’re down! The Bible says, “there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44). That is why the first part of 1Peter 5:8 says, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
The devil is not your friend. He is your ENEMY and he is looking for someone to DEVOUR! He wants to eat you for a midnight snack! If you knew there was a snake in the field, would you be chilling? Or would you be vigilant?! Here, God says to “Be alert and of sober mind.” One of the ways we can do that is by knowing God’s word. This is so important! The Bible talks about how we have to put on the armor of God. The sword, what we use to attack and our only offensive strategy, is the Word of God.
When Satan tempted Eve in the Garden, how did he do it? He twisted God’s word and he made her doubt. Again, doubt doesn’t come from God! And you have to know God’s word! You have to know what he says about you, your future, and cling to his promises! When doubt starts to creep in your mind…or when haters gonna hate…you have to attack it with your sword – the Word of God!
Cling to God’s Word – His Promises During Times of Waiting
I love this song because it is a reminder of who God is and the many promises he has made to me. When I remember his promises, then I can have hope that this season of waiting is temporary, knowing there is more to come. Below, I have broken down the verses in the songs and included the supporting scripture. Read it, meditate on it, memorize it. Cling to God’s word. Cling to his promises! Cling to God during this waiting season! Many of these verses I have on repeat in my head. No joke! I’ve been unemployed for over 1.5 years now and it is a daily battle! I have to be ready to fight the Evil One every day! Every day, there is the possibility for lies, doubt, fear, to creep into my mind and heart. The only thing that has kept me from depression is the constant reminder of God’s promises! I pray God would give you eyes to see from his perspective and ears to hear the Truth.
Take Courage Lyrics
Slow down, take time
Breath in He said
He’d reveal what’s to come
The thoughts in His mind
Always higher than mine
He’ll reveal all to come
‘Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!’ – Psalm 46:10
‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. ‘ Proverbs 3:5-6
‘For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.’ – Isaiah 55:9
‘For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord , “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ‘ Jeremiah 29:11
Take courage my heart
Stay steadfast my soul
He’s in the waiting
He’s in the waiting
Hold onto your hope
As your triumph unfolds
He’s never failing
He’s never failing
Stay steadfast my soul
He’s in the waiting
He’s in the waiting
Hold onto your hope
As your triumph unfolds
He’s never failing
He’s never failing
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” – Isaiah 26:3
“but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” – Isaiah 40:31
“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.” – Isaiah 55:10-11
Sing praise my soul
Find strength in joy
Let His Words lead you on
Do not forget His great faithfulness
He’ll finish all He’s begun
Find strength in joy
Let His Words lead you on
Do not forget His great faithfulness
He’ll finish all He’s begun
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” – Philippians 1:6
And You who hold the stars
Who call them each by name
Will surely keep, Your promise to me
That I will rise, in Your victory
Who call them each by name
Will surely keep, Your promise to me
That I will rise, in Your victory
“Lift up your eyes on high and see who created these? He who brings out their host by number, calling them all by name, by the greatness of his might, and because he is strong in power not one is missing.” – Isaiah 40:26
“But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” – I Corinthians 15:57
Reflect & Respond
I hope you leave today, encouraged. Know that God is on your side! The One who holds the stars in the sky, and calls them each by name – He loves you! And he will keep his promises to you! Hold on to that! Hold on to his promises and hope in Him! You will be victorious!
Meditate on a scripture that stuck out to you and spend some time memorizing it. When the Evil One attacks, you fight back with that verse! What are some lies you’ve been listening to? Reject them and set your eyes on Jesus. Please leave a comment letting me know how I can pray for you! What are you waiting on this season?
Thanks so much for visiting!
-Mel
This is fire! YES YES YES! Way to preach on. Love all the TRUTH you shared
Hi Caroline!!
Thank you!! Glad you approve! That means a lot to me!