Wait On God

By Cyrus A. Natividad

It is disturbing news that a high incidence of suicide pervades our country—especially in the Visayas. Many in other countries are also resorting to this morbid solution to end their problems. Most of these are young people who should have been in school, who could have become great in their professions. Most of them felt neglected by society, by their parents and, regrettably, even by their own selves (or so it may seem).

Take this instance as an example. Sometime in a not so distant past, a 17-year-old young lady hanged herself inside her room. Her parents, in pain and bewilderment, blamed her boyfriend for not replying to her text messages for many days. However, is the boyfriend solely to be blamed? Technology? Social Media? One sociologist from DSWD points out that critical factors to be considered here are the role of society, parents, and even the victim herself.

The question here is Why? An individual is educated for at least 8 to 10 years in the Philippines. This period must be long enough to inculcate the basic values of life and realities in an individual’s mind. Also, these individuals have families—mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, various relatives—who should be able to comfort, guide, or advise them about the complexities of life. On the other hand, it is a fact that individuals commit suicide because of problems which could have been solved through many alternatives that they could not see nor find.

As we ponder upon what these individuals were seeking but and could not find so that they took it upon themselves to take their own life, I would like to present a bigger question: Did they believe in God? If we believe in God then we can wait on Him. He is our creator, our protector, and the author of life and of our destiny.

Perhaps, it is faith that may have been miserably missed in the lives of these hapless individuals.

John 3: 16 in the Bible assures us that “God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believe in Him shall not perish but will have an everlasting life”.

In this season of Lent, may we look back to the Garden of Gethsemane and see Jesus praying earnestly, “Let this cup pass over me”—a plea that if possible He would not sacrifice His life. But then He added in His prayer, “Not my will but Thy will be done”—a resolve that the will of God must be accomplished. Jesus died on the cross—a prophecy that was fulfilled. The power of the cross lies in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. He died and rose again for our salvation.

Jesus gave his life freely that we may find peace and freedom in Him. Here is a beautiful poem by Helen Steiner Rice entitled “Wait on God” where we are called to find strength in the Lord when our own falters.

God’s love endureth forever—

What a wonderful thing to know

When the tides of life are against you

And your spirit is downcast and low.

God’s kindness is ever around you,

Always ready to freely impart

Strength to your faltering spirit,

Cheer to your lonely heart…

God’s presence is ever beside you,

As near as the reach of your hand,

You have but to tell Him your troubles,

There is nothing He won’t understand…

And knowing God’s love is unfailing,

And his mercy unending and great,

You have but trust in His promise

“God comes not too soon or too late

So wait with a heart that is patient

For the goodness of God to prevail

For never do prayers go unanswered,

And his mercy and love never fail.