“Hope deferred (delayed) makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.” Proverbs 13:12

When I was young, I absolutely hated waiting for things I wanted.

• “You can have ice cream AFTER you eat your peas.”
• “School will be out in a few weeks for summer, winter holiday, or spring break.”
• “You can play with your friends after you do your chores.”
• “You can’t open that present until your birthday or Christmas.”

On and on it went. It felt like my entire childhood was strung together by waiting for things I wanted to have or do. As I grew older, things did not change much.

The Purpose of Waiting

When we want something badly but cannot have it right away, the delay can make us feel heart-sick. We count down the days, focus entirely on what we want, and maybe even complain.

However, waiting is actually good for us. Longing for a desired goal helps us appreciate it much more when we finally get it. If we have to work and sacrifice to earn it, we value it even more.

There are many wonderful things in life that we must wait for. If we refuse to wait, we miss out on the true joy of the fulfilled desire. Often, when we get impatient, we settle for cheap substitutes that leave us filled with regret.

Impatience in Relationships

In relationships, some people settle for fornication (sexual relations outside of marriage). They choose empty, temporary pleasure and unsatisfying relationships.

They do this instead of listening to God and waiting to share the physical side of love with the one they have married.

Even married couples sometimes settle for an unhappy relationship. They choose to live in discontent rather than doing the hard work to make their marriage great.

Impatience and the World

Other people settle for the materialism (valuing physical possessions over spiritual things) of this world. They chase the passing pleasures of sin.

They do this instead of storing up treasures in heaven and using their resources to glorify God.

It can be difficult to wait for heaven and the peace it promises. Yet, that hope is what helps us enjoy our earthly life and endure any suffering our faith requires.

Savor What You Have

When your desire is finally fulfilled, take the time to enjoy and savor it.

Too many people are miserable because they are always looking for the next thing. Because of their impatience, they never learn to appreciate what they already have.