When we’re in the midst of a difficult life event, our instinct is often to react quickly and change things. But God frequently asks us to wait.

Take a look at today’s passage. The word wait has a different sense here—it means “pause for further instructions.” It’s not passivity; rather, we must choose to stop our actions and listen for God’s directive. Sometimes the Lord is silent for a season, but He has a purpose. He knows the perfect time for us to act, and until that moment, He wants us to wait. More strength and character are required to be still in the midst of a storm than to frantically seek our own solution.

I can tell you that I sometimes wait impatiently, too. There have been times I’ve become nervous and questioned God or complained. But that’s not how Jesus wants us to react. The apostle Paul tells us plainly to “be anxious for nothing” and to pray to the Lord, who offers peace (Phil. 4:6-7). So we are to pause with patience, trusting in God’s wisdom, love, power, and timing.

The key to finding peace in the storm is in waiting for God alone. He hears our every prayer, and we can’t go wrong when we rely on Him. Pray for patience and listen for His reply.