Timely Challenge

Psalm 70:5 “But I am poor and needy; hasten to me, O God!  You are my help and my deliverer; O Lord, do not delay.”

 

Want to know what really bugged me growing up? My family’s lack of punctuality. Every time we were invited to any event, someone had to get there later than the Jimmy Kimmel Show. If a party was at 3 o’clock, my beloved relatives made it a tradition to arrive two to three hours later, like at 5 or 6 pm. Sure it was annoying, but they are family. I know what to expect now. I also know what to expect from God.

 

Remember that 90’s song, “What if God Was One of Us”? Yeah, I think we can all agree that it is safe to say that God is nothing like us. So, when I read Psalm 70, I don’t ever see the need to rush God to my hurt, needs, or pain. Chances are, God was already in my trial before I got there.

 

Although, God may seem silent, like Jesus in the boat with the disciples, during the storm, the presence of God is all I need. I know that if I have the faith enough to get to where I am, I will get to where I set my mind to. God’s words are eternal, and God’s promises are alive, not dead, but always on time! I may not hear God now, that doesn’t mean God is not speaking, only that my fear is talking louder than my ability to listen. God isn’t late; I am late to realize that I have the resources, the faith, and purpose to endure my cross. One thing is certain, God is working on something and I am over here trippin’ instead of being excited! God is a lot of things; Late isn’t one of them. Next!

 

Worship Song to Meditate on: “God is always on time: when I am at my most desperate, God says, I am your protector and your covering.  Do not be afraid, I am…– Samuel Hernandez

 

The Rev. Edwin Perez, Jr. is a member and deacon of United Church on the Green UCC in New Haven, CT. He was ordained through the Apostolic Fellowship International Ministries (AFIM) as a social justice minister within the Latinx & LGBTQ communities of New Haven, CT.