Wait For It: Seeking God in Troubling Times

Categories: RECENT RESEARCH

Margaret Nagib, Psy.D.

The Urban Dictionary describes the all too popular phrase “wait for it” as:

“A sentence enhancing phrase used to illustrate the epicness of an object/situation/event.”

Epicness. Is that even a word? No doubt it’s another Urban Dictionary concoction, but surely the word I would use to describe what lies next for those brave enough to ask God the hard questions.

In Habakkuk, an obscure little book with an obscure sounding name, the prophet by the same name grapples with some difficult questions. In the beginning of the book the cry of his heart is for justice as he reflects on all of the world’s injustices; even those found in the recesses of his own heart. The things he cries out against: iniquity, trouble, strife, contention, the powerlessness of the law to sustain justice and the like, are surely all the same things we cry out for and are overwhelmed by today. He is close with God and God is close with him. We know this because Habakkuk does not hold back. He lays it all on the line for God to hear in a myriad of whys and whens.

“Why God, do you allow these horrible things and when will you do something about it?”

Habakkuk then tells God that like a dutiful watchman he will sit high on the ramparts and be on alert day and night keeping watch for His reply. God’s response to Habakkuk?

Wait for it…

I will do epic things.

Things that “you would not believe if you were told.”

So, we cry out. Cry out with your whole heart. Then, set your heart’s eyes high, high above the circumstances below. For it’s only when we get above earthly circumstances that we can have eyes to see and ears to hear the reply. Wait for it. It’s going to be epic.

“The vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; it will surely come”

— Habakkuk 2:3

Dr. Margaret Nagib, Psy.D., is a clinical psychologist specializing in Christian counseling, inner healing and treating eating disorders, trauma, addiction, self-injury and mood disorders. For 15 years, she has provided individual, family and group therapy. Today, as a key faculty member of Timberline Knolls’ Clinical Development Institute, she travels throughout the country providing clinical training and presentations to professionals. Additionally, Dr. Nagib provides individual, family, group and pastoral counseling. Her goal is to restore Timberline Knolls’ residents to wholeness through a deeper relationship with God, helping each one to find her voice, purpose, and passion.

Timberline Knolls is a residential treatment center located on 43 beautiful acres just outside Chicago, offering specialized Christian-based programming and a nurturing environment of recovery for women and girls ages 12 and older struggling to overcome eating disorders, substance abuse, mood disorders, trauma and co-occurring disorders. By serving with uncompromising care, relentless compassion and an unconditional joyful spirit, we help our residents help themselves in their recovery. For more information, visit www.timberlineknolls.comor call 877-257-9612.