Instant (or immediate) gratification is a term that refers to the temptation, and resulting tendency, to forego a future benefit to obtain a less rewarding but more immediate benefit.

Most successful people that I have talked to over the years, mentioned that they always had long-term thoughts. This is why in an interview, the interviewer will ask, “Where do you see yourself five years from now, ten years from now?

Financial planners, who have your best interest will admonish you from investing for the short term. The reason why, a comment, change of leaders, shortage of supplies, anything, can make your investments go up and down.

I have a brother-in-law who goes to the bank at least twice per week to check on his savings account. He only has a couple of hundred dollars.  One day I asked him why he checks so often. He said every time he goes it is never the same. I asked if he could afford to lose it. He said no. I told him he should go get it. He took my advice.

It’s a natural human urge to want good things and to want them NOW. It has almost certainly provided an evolutionary advantage for humans and their ancestors, as life for pre-modern humans hinged on decisions made and actions taken in the immediate far more than those intended for long-term gain.

“For there is a proper time and procedure for every delight, though a man’s/woman’s trouble is heavy upon him/her” (Eccles 8:6). Even in the stresses of life, delayed gratification must be practiced to remain under God’s authority. God wants us to do His will in His way in His timing. We seem to have a problem with that.

Why is God making me wait so long? First, He uses waiting to increase our trust in Him and loosen our perceived control. Waiting reminds us we are at the mercy of God’s timing, and we crave control, yet waiting pulls that from our grasp.