Come join us in our upstairs television/game room. We’re happy to welcome you. Using your imagination, that is. Against one wall is a wooden quilt stand holding two lovely afghans that my mother knitted for me decades ago. She loved making afghans for her family. I cherish mine. On cold winter nights, you can find me wrapped up in one, cozy as can be, enjoying a British TV show, snug as a bug in a rug in my mother’s afghan, keeping me most comfy.

All this reminds me of what I read in Psalm 27. Here’s its first verse–‘The Lord is my light and salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?’ Light brings warmth. Salvation finds a safe harbor from hell’s gale-force winds. Fears? If we would grab hold of our Lord and not let go, then fear has as much a place in my life as a nasty, painful root canal.

However, I’ve wondered about Psalm 27’s last verse–‘Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord’ (v. 14). It’s that word ‘wait’ that puzzles me. I know. I’m an impatient type. If I can make whatever happen right now, I will. To ‘wait for’ sounds like being lazy. Hanging out, waiting for someone else to do whatever. Passive and lagging behind. Lackadaisical. Not willing to lift a finger or two. Well, you get the point, and it’s not on the top of my head!

When I delved deeper into the Old Testament Hebrew language, looking for the meaning of the word ‘wait’, a most helpful insight came my way. To ‘wait’ means to wrap yourself up in God. To bundle and swaddle yourself in all that you know about the Lord. To cloak yourself with what you remember about Jesus and His godly character. Clothed in what’s garnered from God’s Word, the Bible.

Another nuance of the Hebrew word ‘wait’ involves twisting cords to create a strong and supple rope. This process includes tying and weaving fibers together for durability and strength. Can you see where this is leading? For the closer we get to our Lord, folding His words into our hearts and minds, the tougher we’ll be in a tough world. We get stronger and more resilient for Jesus, especially when everything around us calls out to us to reject God and the Bible.

When cold, contrary, and ungodly winds blast and blow their way through the front door of your life, wrap yourself up in the Lord. In His afghan, so to speak. Snuggle up much closer. Weave yourself into His warf and woof. You’ll need Jesus’ brawn and toughness. I know I certainly do. Agreed?

Lord Jesus, for giving me such love and hope, thank you. Amen.