Topical Bible: Waiting: Continually

◄ Waiting: Continually ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, the concept of "waiting continually" is deeply rooted in the faith and patience required of believers as they trust in God's timing and promises. This theme is woven throughout Scripture, emphasizing the importance of steadfastness and hope in the Lord.

Old Testament Foundations

The Hebrew word often translated as "wait" is "qavah," which conveys a sense of hope and expectation. In the Old Testament, waiting on the Lord is frequently associated with trust and reliance on His faithfulness. Psalm 27:14 encourages believers: "Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the LORD!" This verse underscores the dual nature of waiting—both an active trust and a call to courage.

Isaiah 40:31 further illustrates the rewards of waiting: "But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint." Here, waiting is not passive but is an active engagement with God's promises, resulting in spiritual renewal and strength.

New Testament Continuation

In the New Testament, the theme of waiting continues, often in the context of the anticipated return of Christ. Romans 8:25 states, "But if we hope for what we do not yet see, we wait for it patiently." This verse highlights the Christian's call to wait with patience and hope for the fulfillment of God's ultimate promises.

James 5:7-8 provides a practical exhortation: "Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the soil—how patient he is for the fall and spring rains. You too, be patient and strengthen your hearts, because the Lord’s coming is near." The analogy of the farmer illustrates the necessity of patience and the assurance of eventual fulfillment.

Spiritual Discipline and Growth

Waiting continually on the Lord is a spiritual discipline that fosters growth and maturity in the believer's life. It requires a surrender of one's own timing and desires to God's perfect will. Lamentations 3:25-26 reflects this sentiment: "The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. It is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD."

The act of waiting is also a test of faith, as seen in the life of Abraham, who "waited patiently and obtained the promise" (Hebrews 6:15). His example serves as a model for believers, demonstrating that God's promises are sure, even if their fulfillment is not immediate.

Practical Implications

For the believer, waiting continually on the Lord involves prayer, meditation on Scripture, and a lifestyle of obedience and service. It is an acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and a commitment to trust in His timing. Psalm 37:7 advises, "Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when men prosper in their ways, when they carry out wicked schemes."

In a world that often values immediacy and instant gratification, the biblical call to wait continually is countercultural. It challenges believers to cultivate patience, deepen their faith, and maintain hope in the promises of God, knowing that His timing is perfect and His plans are for their ultimate good.

Nave's Topical Index

Hosea 12:6
Therefore turn you to your God: keep mercy and judgment and wait on your God continually.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Rom. xiii. 1
... proceeds,. "Waiting continually upon this very thing.". For this is their
life, this their business, that thou mayest enjoy peace. ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxiii rom xiii 1.htm

Waiting on God
... reason that so many of God's beloved children complain continually: "My circumstances ...
efforts, any exertion of human nature, instead of waiting, and waiting ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/the masters indwelling/iii waiting on god.htm

Hence it Is, that Grieving, Quenching, or Resisting the Spirit...
... we possibly avoid the sin of grieving, quenching, the Spirit, but by continually
reverencing his holy presence within us, by continually waiting for, trusting ...
/.../address 39 0 0 hence it is.htm

An Exhortation to the People of God not to be Discouraged in their ...
... the Lord, you will be adopted into his family, and by his spirit be enabled to cry,
"Abba, Father." O then do not leave, but be continually waiting at wisdom's ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/an exhortation to the people.htm

Letter xx. --(For 348. ) Coss. Philippus, Salia; Pr??fect the Same ...
... all times.' And Paul further advises, At all times give thanks; pray without ceasing
[4511] .' Those who are thus continually engaged, are waiting entirely on ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/letter xx for 348 coss philippus.htm

Sermon for Whit Sunday
... Master and His boundless love and resignation, and forsook all things, and watched
continually and committed themselves wholly to God, ever waiting to discern ...
/.../xix sermon for whit sunday.htm

Psalm 25
... And he his holy covenant. will manifest to them. ^15Towards the Lord my waiting
eyes. continually are set; For he it is that shall bring forth. ...
/.../anonymous/scottish psalter and paraphrases/psalm 25 2.htm

"I Felt My Heart Strangely Warmed"
... Jesus, Master," was in my heart and in my mouth; and I found all my strength lay
in keeping my eye fixed upon Him and my soul waiting on Him continually. ...
/.../wesley/the journal of john wesley/i felt my heart strangely.htm

John iv. 54; v. 1
... "Thirty and eight years" had that man been waiting without obtaining ... nothing from
Him, ought we not to deem the very conversing with Him continually the cause ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxxvi john iv 54.htm

1 Cor. I. 4, 5
... For no where in any other Epistle doth the Name of Christ occur so continually. ... even
as the testimony of Christ hath been confirmed in you, waiting for the ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily ii 1 cor i.htm