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Waiting with an open heart brings a renewed perspective, shifting from my preconceived ideas to God’s perfect plans. (Lee Ann Zanon)

A Season of Waiting

Here I am again in a season of waiting. After eight weeks of what I anticipated would be long-term pain relief, a severe relapse has me back at square one. I’ve spent six years persevering through never-ending treatments. The Psalmist’s repeated cry, How long, O Lord? echoes in my soul.

The journey of chronic illness, mental illness, and chronic pain is unpredictable, but waiting is certain. Questions are steady companions along the way, with no sure timing for answers.

• When will we find the right doctor or therapist? 
• What will we do if suffering persists or gets worse? 
• How will family and friends respond when our capacity for relationships diminishes? 

These questions (and an array of other unknowns) magnify the ache of unmet expectations. As Proverbs 13:12 vividly portrays, Hope deferred makes the heart sick. 

There it is: I must acknowledge and navigate the emotional reality of physical symptoms. In this place, I am deeply grateful for the wisdom of a friend (a professional Christian counselor) who is well-acquainted with heartache and helps children and adults through life’s losses. She knows the grief of losing her husband to cancer in mid-life and the struggle of raising their teen daughters as a single mom. 

Here are her three principles for moving forward and waiting with an open heart:

• Do the day in front of you.
• Let go of time frames and expectations.
• Pace yourself.

Do the Day in Front of You

During the initial stages of my chronic pain diagnosis, I desperately prayed, “O Lord, how can I possibly do this?” I still recall His gentle reply: One day at a time. In Matthew 6:34, Jesus shares a profound principle: Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. 

I don’t know what the future holds, but I know that God promises me His strength and grace, moment by moment. He asks me to release anxiety and receive His care.

Let Go of Time Frames and Expectations

This is my biggest hurdle. As a first-born daughter who loves planning, I find entrusting timing and outcomes to the Lord’s design rather than my own requires constant attention. In his book Waiting Isn’t a Waste, author Mark Vroegop notes: “Waiting reveals what we hope in. That can be good or bad. And it’s usually hard…waiting tests what you believe.”

I open my arms wide, with palms facing up. I intentionally let go of sadness, fear, and frustration. I reaffirm my trust in the Lord, according to His Word. My soul is quiet and waits for God alone. My hope comes from him. (Psalm 62:5)

Pace Yourself

I am relearning to pace my days according to my ability rather than disregarding my limits. I yearn to engage in more social connections, but jaw dysfunction severely restricts conversation. If I exceed wise boundaries, I pay the price of debilitating pain.

The Gift of Biblical Self-Compassion (a Chronic Joy printable) clarifies how the Lord sees me and desires that I care for myself. Honoring the life He has entrusted me allows me to surrender to His purposes as I wait.

Renewed Perspective

Waiting with an open heart brings a renewed perspective, shifting from my preconceived ideas to God’s perfect plans. As I abandon myself to His will, I’m free to focus on Him with faith and gratitude. It isn’t easy, but I’ve discovered 16 Verses to Ignite Hope as a powerful guide. I pray you will explore it as well.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, You are well aware of my hopes and dreams. You know how I struggle to let go and trust Your timing. Please help me wait with an open heart, watching for Your blessings and adapting when Your plans look different than what I envision. Thank You for Your promised care and nearness. I trust You for all I need, day by day. In Jesus’ mighty name, amen.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

• What are you waiting for right now?
• How is waiting difficult — physically, emotionally, or spiritually?
• What aspects of your chronic challenges do you need to release to God?