Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Context Waiting for mercy in the biblical context refers to the act of patiently and faithfully anticipating God's compassionate intervention and favor. This concept is deeply rooted in the understanding of God's character as merciful and loving, and it is a recurring theme throughout Scripture. The act of waiting for mercy involves trust, hope, and a steadfast belief in God's promises, even amidst trials and tribulations. Biblical References The Bible frequently addresses the theme of waiting for God's mercy, emphasizing the importance of patience and faith. In the Old Testament, the Psalms often express a longing for God's mercy. Psalm 123:2 states, "As the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maidservant to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the LORD our God, until He shows us mercy." This verse illustrates the posture of dependence and expectation that believers are to have as they await God's merciful intervention. In the New Testament, the concept of waiting for mercy is closely tied to the hope of salvation and eternal life. Jude 1:21 exhorts believers to "keep yourselves in the love of God as you await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you eternal life." Here, waiting for mercy is linked to the eschatological hope of Christ's return and the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Theological Significance Waiting for mercy is an expression of faith in God's unchanging nature. It acknowledges human limitations and the need for divine assistance. Theologically, it underscores the belief that God's timing is perfect and that His plans are ultimately for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). This waiting is not passive but active, involving prayer, obedience, and a continual seeking of God's presence. Practical Implications For believers, waiting for mercy is a spiritual discipline that cultivates patience and resilience. It encourages a deeper reliance on God and fosters spiritual growth. In times of distress or uncertainty, waiting for mercy becomes a source of comfort and strength, reminding believers of God's faithfulness and the assurance of His promises. Examples from Scripture The account of Job is a profound example of waiting for mercy. Despite immense suffering and loss, Job remains steadfast in his faith, ultimately experiencing God's mercy and restoration (Job 42:10-17). Similarly, the parable of the persistent widow in Luke 18:1-8 illustrates the importance of persistent prayer and unwavering faith as one waits for God's justice and mercy. Conclusion While the Bible does not always provide immediate answers or relief, it consistently points to the hope and assurance found in waiting for God's mercy. This waiting is an integral part of the Christian journey, shaping believers into the likeness of Christ and preparing them for the fulfillment of God's eternal promises. Nave's Topical Index Psalm 123:2Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden to the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait on the LORD our God, until that he have mercy on us. Nave's Topical Index Library Waiting and Singing God's Waiting and Man's Waiting at Wisdom's Gates. Prov 8:34,35 The Waiting Soul Waiting on the Lord. June the Twelfth Waiting for the Spectacular LM Doddridge. The Patient Waiting Upon God. Arguments in Opposition to Tatian, Showing that it was Consonant ... Our Miseries, Messengers of Mercy Surely Goodness and Mercy Shall Follow Me all the Days of My Life ... 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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