When the Lamb broke the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been killed because of the word of God, and because of the testimony which they had maintained; and they cried out with a loud voice, saying, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, will You refrain from judging and avenging our blood on those who live on the earth?” And a white robe was given to each of them; and they were told that they were to rest for a little while longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brothers and sisters who were to be killed even as they had been, was completed also. (Revelation 6:9-11 NASB, emphasis mine)
Honestly, I have a lot of questions in my life right now, but not regarding judgment on evildoers. Of course, I want justice to be served and evildoers to be punished. But the questions that have been racing through my mind recently are these:
“How long until I go on my first date?”
“How long until I meet my future husband?”
“How long until I know what career path to take?”
“How long until I get a book published?”
“How long until I find the right church?”
How Long, O Lord?
As Christians living in a world that feels constantly chaotic and utterly broken, it’s normal to desire justice, peace, and joy. We long to see redemption in broken places and restoration in weary souls—including our own. Because of Christ’s death and resurrection, we will see redemption and restoration.
Of course, this world often feels like a holding pen in the meantime. Day after day goes by, and we keep asking God the same questions. We ask Him when we’re going to feel less depressed, when we’re going to get pregnant, when we’re going to earn a promotion, when we’re going to make friends, and so many more.
Even though the above passage from Revelation is discussing an event far in the future, I believe that God wants us to rest in Him always. Whether that means waiting on Him to bring justice to someone who has wronged you or waiting for Him to bring you a husband.
Rest a Little While Longer
Until your chronic pain becomes a distant memory.
Until your mundane lifestyle of working 60 hours a week is behind you.
Until words like “single,” “lonely,” and “solo” become foreign to you.
Until your anxiety and depression no longer exist.
Until your complicated family situation becomes simplified.
Until every ounce of guilt you feel is drained from your heart.
Until your body is completely perfected and your mind is completely renewed.
Until the doubts and questions about your salvation are forgotten forever.
I know you’re ready for all the suffering to end. Right. This. Second. But God doesn’t want us to get too comfortable in a place that isn’t our real home. We only have to rest for a little while longer. Trust Him in the meantime.
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