Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, the theme of waiting for protection is a recurring motif that underscores the believer's reliance on God's timing and providence. This concept is deeply rooted in the understanding that God is a refuge and fortress for those who trust in Him, and that His protection is both a promise and a process that often requires patience and faith.Old Testament Context The Old Testament is replete with examples of individuals and nations waiting for God's protection. The Psalms, in particular, are rich with expressions of trust in God's protective power. Psalm 27:14 exhorts believers to "Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the LORD!" This verse highlights the dual necessity of patience and courage while awaiting divine intervention. The account of Noah is an early example of waiting for protection. Noah and his family were instructed to build an ark and wait for God's deliverance from the impending flood. Genesis 7:16 states, "And those that entered, male and female of all flesh, entered as God had commanded him; and the LORD shut him in." Here, God's protection is evident as He seals Noah and his family inside the ark, safeguarding them from the deluge. Similarly, the Israelites' exodus from Egypt is a profound narrative of waiting for divine protection. As they stood trapped between Pharaoh's advancing army and the Red Sea, Moses assured them in Exodus 14:13 , "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the LORD’s salvation, which He will accomplish for you today." The parting of the Red Sea was a dramatic demonstration of God's protective power, realized after a period of anxious waiting. Prophetic Assurance The prophets often spoke of waiting for God's protection as a test of faith and obedience. Isaiah 40:31 promises, "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." This assurance is a call to trust in God's timing and to find strength in the expectation of His deliverance. Habakkuk, in his dialogue with God, exemplifies the struggle and resolution of waiting for divine intervention. In Habakkuk 2:3 , God reassures the prophet, "For the vision awaits an appointed time; it testifies of the end and will not lie. Though it lingers, wait for it, since it will surely come and will not delay." This passage emphasizes the certainty of God's promises, even when fulfillment seems delayed. New Testament Fulfillment In the New Testament, the theme of waiting for protection is fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Believers are called to trust in Christ as their ultimate protector and redeemer. Jesus Himself speaks of His protective role in John 10:28-29 , "I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them out of My hand. My Father who has given them to Me is greater than all. No one can snatch them out of My Father’s hand." The early church also experienced the necessity of waiting for God's protection amidst persecution. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often encouraged believers to stand firm in their faith, trusting in God's protective power. In 2 Thessalonians 3:3 , Paul assures the church, "But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one." Practical Implications For contemporary believers, waiting for protection involves a steadfast trust in God's sovereignty and goodness. It requires a heart posture of patience, prayer, and perseverance, recognizing that God's timing is perfect and His ways are higher than our own. The biblical call to wait for protection is not passive but active, involving a deep reliance on God's promises and a commitment to live in obedience to His Word. Nave's Topical Index Psalm 33:20Our soul waits for the LORD: he is our help and our shield. Nave's Topical Index Psalm 59:9,10 Library Waiting Only Upon God Love and Peace. The Work Awaiting the Worker Monos Infancy. Our Deliverance from the Boxers (1900) On the Faith and Piety of Theodosius Augustus. God's Care Over Me The Death of the Famous Actor Miraudin was a Nine Days' Wonder... In Sanctuary Resources What does it mean that hope deferred makes the heart sick (Proverbs 13:12)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is absurdism? | GotQuestions.org In the Song of Solomon, why is it said that we shouldn't awaken love until it pleases? | 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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