by Joanie Butman
A friend invited me to a show this week entitled, The Ding Dongs. I eagerly accepted anticipating a comedy about the popular juvenile prank (at least in Brooklyn), Ding Dong Ditch. You ring a person’s doorbell, then run away. My poor elderly neighbor (probably my age now but seemed ancient at the time), Mr. Munch, was a frequent victim. DDD was probably the most harmless of our antics. It’s not like he could avoid us either. Our homes were attached. Teasing him about his last name was relentless. I’ve always viewed my eventual surname as Divine retribution.
Although the play was billed as a comedy, it was anything but. Or maybe I couldn’t appreciate its humor any more than Mr. Munch appreciated ours. Regardless, as I reminisced about the DDD days of my childhood, I realized I’d never fully left it behind. I may have outgrown doing it to my neighbors, but I’ve spent a lifetime pulling the same stunt with God. What can I say? Spiritually, I’m still a juvenile delinquent in many ways. There is a lengthy list of occasions where I call on Him, then run off before He answers. My reasons (that I’m aware of) run the gamut. For example:
Impatience
Arrogance – thinking I know better
Fear of what I might hear
Distraction/Busyness
Rebellion
Learning to wait on God has been the most difficult spiritual discipline I’ve attempted to master. Waiting is God’s training ground. It’s not meant to be passive. It’s a time of growth, though it often feels like stagnation. It’s uncomfortable as it’s meant to be. Your discomfort is a sure sign God is teaching you something. Hopefully, our unease pulls us towards Him, leaning on His promises and building our trust in His provision. Not an easy feat given the circumstances life throws at us. I’d say most of us live in that training ground, always waiting for something: guidance, wisdom, patience, healing, etc. There’s a reason the Bible is full of scripture to encourage us while we wait. I’ll offer just a few of my favorites below.
The interesting thing about Mr. Munch is that he was a kind man, handing out treats to my younger siblings. He never mentioned their older siblings’ mischief to our parents. I know this for a fact because if my parents knew, there’d have been hell to pay. The same can be said about Jesus. Regardless of how many times we fail to hear, or choose to ignore Him and go our own way, He doesn’t tattle. In fact, He does the exact opposite. In His mercy, He clothes us in HIS righteousness so that we can be confident in approaching God’s throne of grace without condemnation. His love is not punitive – it’s transformative. He gives us what we need, not what we deserve. His sacrifice to provide our sanctification evokes awe and immense gratitude. How can anyone choose to resist that kind of love?
Finally, in regard to The Ding Dongs, my sense of humor has matured since I found my childish pranks funny, but apparently not mature enough to grasp the humor of this play. Some things are just beyond redemption. Blessedly, thanks to Jesus, we aren’t one of them.
Be still, and know that I am God. (Psalms 46:10)
They who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31)The LORD is good to those who wait for him,
to the soul who seeks him. (Lamentations 3:25)
In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice;
in the morning I lay my requests before you
and wait expectantly. (Psalm 5:3)I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits,
and in his word I put my hope. (Psalm 130:5)Wait for the Lord;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the Lord. (Psalm 27:14)But as for me, I will look to the LORD;
I will wait for the God of my salvation;
my God will hear me. (Micah 7:7)
