Topical Encyclopedia In the Christian faith, waiting upon God is a profound expression of trust and reliance on His divine providence. The concept of God's providence refers to His sovereign guidance and care over all creation, orchestrating events and circumstances according to His perfect will and purpose. This entry explores the biblical foundation and theological significance of waiting upon God as the God of Providence.Biblical Foundation The Bible is replete with exhortations and examples of waiting upon God, emphasizing His providential care. In Isaiah 40:31 , we read, "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 verse highlights the strength and endurance granted to those who patiently trust in God's timing and provision. Psalm 27:14 further encourages believers, "Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the LORD." Here, the psalmist underscores the importance of courage and strength in the act of waiting, recognizing that God's providence is at work even when His plans are not immediately visible. Theological Significance Waiting upon God as the God of Providence involves acknowledging His sovereignty and wisdom. It is an act of faith that recognizes God's ability to work all things together for good, as stated in Romans 8:28 : "And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose." This assurance allows believers to rest in the knowledge that God's providential care is both purposeful and benevolent. The account of Joseph in the book of Genesis serves as a powerful illustration of waiting upon God's providence. Despite being sold into slavery and unjustly imprisoned, Joseph remained faithful, trusting in God's overarching plan. In Genesis 50:20 , Joseph declares to his brothers, "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 life exemplifies the transformative power of God's providence, turning adversity into blessing. Practical Implications For believers, waiting upon God involves active trust and obedience. It requires a posture of humility, acknowledging that God's ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:9). This waiting is not passive resignation but a dynamic engagement with God's promises, seeking His guidance through prayer and Scripture. In times of uncertainty or delay, waiting upon God cultivates spiritual maturity and deepens one's relationship with Him. It fosters patience, perseverance, and hope, as believers learn to rest in the assurance of God's faithful provision. As expressed in Lamentations 3:25 , "The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him." Conclusion Waiting upon God as the God of Providence is a central tenet of the Christian faith, inviting believers to trust in His sovereign care and perfect timing. Through Scripture, believers are encouraged to embrace this waiting with courage and hope, confident in the knowledge that God's providential hand is at work in every aspect of their lives. Torrey's Topical Textbook 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. Torrey's Topical Textbook 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 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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