"Little by Little"

“Little by Little”

In an ironical twist one of my favorite Scripture passages contains one of my least favorite admonitions. I learned it while working at a Christian camp in 1960. Summarized, Psalm 37:3-5 (KJV) says, “Trust in the Lord, and do good…Delight thyself also in the Lord…Commit thy way unto the Lord….” Each statement is followed by a promise. But then comes Verse 7: “Rest in the Lord,” followed by the not-so-welcome directive, “…wait patiently for him….” The Hebrew word carries the thought of anticipation, so in this case we’re to stop our frenzied activity as God works His plan for us. Hard to do (been there, haven’t you?) but His timing is always right.

I’ve been reading Deuteronomy in my quiet time and came across something I’d never noticed before. The book records Moses’ final discourse to Israel in preparation for entering the Promised Land. One recurring theme is God’s giving His people victory over their enemies. But how would He do this? “The Lord your God will drive out those nations before you, little by little.” (7:22, emphasis added). Psalm 37 wasn’t written until some four centuries later, but God was calling on Israel to “…wait patiently for him….” The Book of Joshua records how He kept His word as they did.

We’re living in a world in which instant results are expected, be it in political change, career advancement, business progress, and even in our lives as Christ’s followers. Each of these areas is made up of many parts which don’t always come together immediately or automatically. Think of a 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle. The picture is on the box but it takes time for the pieces to be put in place to make it a complete unit.

The verse goes on to say, “You will not be allowed to eliminate them all at once….” The note in the Life Application Study Bible says in part, “God had the power to destroy those nations instantly, but He chose to do it in stages. In the same way…God could miraculously and instantaneously change your life. Usually, however, He chooses to help you gradually….” Why? So we can “…add to (our) faith goodness…knowledge…self-control…perseverance…godliness…brotherly kindness…love.” (2 Pater 1:5-7). And remember, He shapes us little by little until we’re with Him (see Philippians 1:6). So “…wait patiently for him….” He’ll come through.

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan