Topical Encyclopedia Waiting upon God as the God of Providence is a theme deeply woven into the fabric of Scripture, reflecting a profound trust in His sovereign care and timing. The concept of divine providence refers to God's continuous involvement with all created things, guiding them toward His intended purposes. This entry explores the biblical understanding of waiting upon God in the context of His providential care.Biblical Foundation The Bible frequently calls believers to wait upon the Lord, emphasizing patience and trust in His perfect timing. Psalm 27:14 exhorts, "Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the LORD!" This verse highlights the dual aspects of waiting: patience and courage, both of which are necessary when trusting in God's providential plan. Examples of Waiting in Scripture 1. Abraham and Sarah: The account of Abraham and Sarah is a profound example of waiting upon God's providence. Despite their advanced age, they were promised a son. Genesis 21:1-2 records the fulfillment of this promise: "Now the LORD attended to Sarah as He had said, and the LORD did for Sarah what He had promised. So Sarah conceived and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him." Their account illustrates the importance of trusting in God's timing, even when circumstances seem impossible. 2. Joseph: Joseph's life is a testament to waiting on God's providence through trials and tribulations. Sold into slavery and later imprisoned, Joseph remained faithful, trusting in God's plan. Genesis 50:20 reveals Joseph's understanding of divine providence: "As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people." Joseph's account underscores the belief that God's providential care can transform adversity into blessing. 3. David: Anointed as king while still a young shepherd, David waited many years before ascending to the throne. During this time, he faced numerous challenges, including persecution by King Saul. In Psalm 37:7 , David writes, "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." David's life exemplifies the virtue of waiting on God's providence, trusting that His plans will come to fruition in due time. Theological Implications Waiting upon God as the God of Providence involves recognizing His sovereignty and wisdom. It requires believers to surrender their own understanding and desires, trusting that God's plans are higher and better. Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us, "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways," declares the LORD. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts." Practical Application In practical terms, waiting upon God involves prayer, meditation on Scripture, and a posture of humility and submission. It is an active waiting, characterized by faith and obedience. Lamentations 3:25-26 encourages believers, "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." Conclusion The biblical call to wait upon God as the God of Providence is a call to trust in His perfect plan and timing. Through the examples of biblical figures and the teachings of Scripture, believers are encouraged to cultivate patience, courage, and faith, knowing that God's providential care is ever-present and unfailing. Nave's Topical Index Jeremiah 14:22Are there any among the vanities of the Gentiles that can cause rain? or can the heavens give showers? are not you he, O LORD our God? therefore we will wait on you: for you have made all these things. Nave's Topical Index Library Waiting Only Upon God That God May be all in All. A Petulant Wish God Our Guide. The Sins of the Men of Old Time, which Incurred the Displeasure of ... Psalm 104. The Glory of God in Creation and Providence. Psalm 104 the Glory of God in Creation and Providence. Strong Faith in a Faithful God Waiting and Singing God the Joy-Bringer Resources Are we supposed to be actively looking for a spouse? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a spiritual harvest and how can I achieve one? | GotQuestions.org How can I know what God's timing is? | GotQuestions.org Waiting: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Waiting for Guidance and Teaching Waiting for the Coming of Christ Waiting for the Consolation of Israel Waiting for the Fulfillment of his Promises Waiting for the Fulfillment of his Word Waiting for the Hope of Righteousness by Faith Waiting in the Way of his Judgments Waiting Upon God: As the Giver of all Temporal Blessings Waiting Upon God: As the God of Providence Waiting Upon God: As the God of Salvation Waiting Upon God: Exhortations and Encouragements To Waiting Upon God: For: Coming of Christ Waiting Upon God: For: Guidance and Teaching Waiting Upon God: For: Hope of Righteous by Faith Waiting Upon God: For: Protection Waiting Upon God: For: Salvation Waiting Upon God: For: The Consolation of Israel Waiting Upon God: For: The Fulfillment of his Promises Waiting Upon God: For: The Fulfillment of his Word Waiting Upon God: God Calls Us To Waiting Upon God: Predicted of the Gentiles Waiting Upon God: Saints Have Expectation From Waiting Upon God: Saints Plead, in Prayer Waiting Upon God: Saints Resolve On Waiting Upon God: should be all the Day Waiting Upon God: should be Continually Waiting Upon God: should be in the Way of his Judgments Waiting Upon God: should be Specially in Adversity Waiting Upon God: should Be with Earnest Desire Waiting Upon God: should Be with Full Confidence Waiting Upon God: should Be with Hope in his Word Waiting Upon God: should Be with Patience Waiting Upon God: should Be with Resignation Waiting Upon God: should Be with the Soul Waiting Upon God: The Patience of Saints often Tried In Waiting Upon God: They Who Engage In are Blessed Waiting Upon God: They Who Engage In are Heard Waiting Upon God: They Who Engage in Experience his Goodness Waiting Upon God: They Who Engage in Shall be Saved Waiting Upon God: They Who Engage in Shall Inherit the Earth Waiting Upon God: They Who Engage in Shall not be Ashamed Waiting Upon God: They Who Engage in Shall Receive the Glorious Things Prepared by God for Them Waiting Upon God: They Who Engage in Shall Rejoice in Salvation Waiting Upon God: They Who Engage in Shall Renew Their Strength Waiting Upon God: They Who Engage in Wait Upon Him Only Waiting: Especially in Adversity Waiting: Exhortations and Encouragements To Waiting: Predicted of the Gentiles Waiting: Saints Have Expectation From Waiting: Saints Plead, in Prayer Waiting: should be With the Soul Waiting: The Patience of Saints often Tested In Waiting: Those Who Engage In are Blessed Waiting: Those Who Engage In are Heard Waiting: Those Who Engage in Experience his Goodness Waiting: Those Who Engage in Wait Upon Him Only Waiting: Those Who Engage in Will be Saved Waiting: Those Who Engage in Will Inherit the Earth Waiting: Those Who Engage in Will not be Ashamed Waiting: Those Who Engage in Will Receive the Glorious Things Prepared by God for Them Waiting: Those Who Engage in Will Rejoice in Salvation Waiting: Those Who Engage in Will Renew Their Strength Waiting: Upon God: As the Giver of all Temporal Blessings Waiting: Upon God: As the God of Providence Waiting: Upon God: As the God of Salvation Related Terms |
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