Context: “The Lord must wait for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion” (Isaiah 30:18; NLT). For me, this is one of the most remarkable verses in the Bible.
God longs for a two-way relationship with us, suffers with us through all our trials and sorrows, and is always ready to help: “In all their suffering he also suffered, and he personally rescued them. In his love and mercy he redeemed them. He lifted them up and carried them through all the years” (Isaiah 63:9; NLT).
YHWH longs to be gracious to you (Isaiah 30:18; TIB).
During my time here, Lord,
Learning to live,
You have been waiting
To help me forgive.
During my time here, Lord,
Each time I wept,
You have been longing
To help me accept.
During my time here, Lord,
Learning to care,
You have been eager
To help me in prayer.
After my time here, Lord,
Learning to love,
You will be ready
To greet me, above.
So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him (Luke 15:20; NLT).