I’ve never prayed to enter into a season of waiting, I’m not sure anyone has, but sitting in the midst of one I find myself praying fervently and expectantly for this season to end. To finally realize what is to come — preferably sooner rather than later. This season has stirred up feelings of confusion, questioning and doubt. And, like any trial in life, the waiting seasons reveal the anchor, (person or thing), to which we have tethered our hope.

I wait for the Lord; I wait and put my hope in his word. I wait for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning — more than watchmen for the morning. – Ps. 130: 5-6 CSB

Waiting is uncomfortable, we want what we want when we want it. It can feel unproductive, like a waste of time. Let’s get this show on the road. But, what I’ve found is that waiting is less about sitting still and doing nothing, and more like the watchmen in Psalm 130 who eagerly watch and wait for the morning. They remain attentive and alert in anticipation for the first glimpses of a new dawn. For the illuminating morning light diminishes the threats hiding in the shadows of the dark night.

Or, perhaps it’s like the wait of one waiting on a table: taking orders, filling drinks, making sure the guests are happy and satisfied. The wait of doing, serving and being available.

I think it’s both, and more. Being obedient in the waiting seasons demonstrates a trust outside of oneself.

Each season of waiting will require something different. Perhaps it will be a time to rest, volunteer, travel or pursue a dream. In the midst of the waiting, in the thick of the unknown, it is vital to cling to the hope of the promises found in the Word.

There are numerous verses in the Bible about waiting on the Lord with promises such as:

• being exalted (Ps. 37:34)
• having paths straightened (Pro. 3:5-6)
• being blessed (Is. 30:18)
• being heard by God (Micah 7:7)

But, it’s hard to believe a promise when the fruit of the breakthrough seems impossible at best. We often hear stories of a struggle told from the side of victory, and while these stories are encouraging, they can often feel like wishful thinking in the midst of our own wait. One of the best ways I have found to remain hopeful in the seasons of waiting is to be thankfully aware of all that the Lord is doing.

An author I follow on social media recently posted about a prayer that her pastor challenged their congregation to pray daily. It’s a simple prayer of notice and gratitude.

I see you, God.

It’s a phrase that can be whispered, cried or stated in awe. It requires one to be fully present, attentive and aware. It takes stock in the big and small, acknowledging the ways that the Lord is moving day in and day out, noticing the things that might otherwise go unnoticed.

I see you, God.

Perhaps it’s a particularly breathtaking sunrise or sunset. A much needed snowfall. A smile on the lips of a stranger. A free coffee. Gratitude finds a way to multiply itself. Being grateful for the seemingly small gives us fuel and keeps us hopeful for all that is to come.

I see you, God.

We have a tendency to focus on that which is not going the way we would like; intentionally looking for things to be grateful for and giving God the credit changes one’s perspective. It highlights the blessings in our life and reminds us that God is actively working in all things.

Choosing gratitude is not only beneficial in the hard and unknown seasons, it is a practice that should be offered in every season.

I see you, God.

For my current season has brought about rest and healing. The opportunity to write and dream. And, best of all, quality time with my parents that I would not have had otherwise.

How do you see God moving in your current season? Tell him.