David, the second king of Israel, is a prominent biblical figure whose life exemplifies the principle of waiting upon God. His journey from shepherd boy to king is marked by numerous instances where he demonstrated patience, faith, and reliance on God's timing and promises.

Anointed but Not Yet King

David's anointing by the prophet Samuel is a significant event that underscores the theme of waiting upon God. In 1 Samuel 16:13, we read, "So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward." Despite this divine appointment, David did not immediately ascend to the throne. Instead, he returned to tending sheep, waiting for God's timing to fulfill the promise.

Fleeing from Saul

David's wait was further tested during the years he spent fleeing from King Saul, who sought to kill him out of jealousy. During this period, David had multiple opportunities to take Saul's life and claim the throne by force. However, he chose to wait on God's timing, demonstrating his trust in God's sovereignty. In 1 Samuel 24:6, David says, "The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed. May I never lift my hand against him, since he is the LORD’s anointed."

Psalms of Patience and Trust

David's psalms often reflect his heart's posture of waiting upon God. In Psalm 27:14, he writes, "Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the LORD." This verse encapsulates David's belief in the importance of patience and courage while waiting for God's intervention and guidance.

The Promise of an Everlasting Kingdom

God's covenant with David, known as the Davidic Covenant, further illustrates the theme of waiting. In 2 Samuel 7:16, God promises David, "Your house and kingdom will endure forever before Me, and your throne will be established forever." This promise pointed to the future Messiah, Jesus Christ, who would come from David's lineage. David's response to this promise was one of humility and gratitude, as seen in 2 Samuel 7:18, where he says, "Who am I, O Lord GOD, and what is my house, that You have brought me this far?"

Lessons from David's Life

David's life teaches believers the importance of waiting upon God with faith and patience. His experiences remind us that God's timing is perfect, and His promises are sure. David's reliance on God during times of uncertainty and trial serves as an enduring example of steadfast faith and trust in the Lord's plan.Psalm 39:7
And now, Lord, what wait I for? my hope is in you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Waiting Only Upon God
... of them, and that is just the reason why you are always waiting upon her. ... David says,
"My soul, imitate the worldly in this; wait thou only upon God, for my ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/waiting only upon god.htm

Waiting and Singing
... 'Upon Thee, O my Strength! will I wait, for God is my defence.' Then, by dint of
waiting, although the outward circumstances keep just the same, his ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/waiting and singing.htm

Strong Faith in a Faithful God
... Secondly, there is inviolable faithfulness, as we know that David here referred ... Take
not that step, my brother, without much careful waiting upon God; but if ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 61 1915/strong faith in a faithful.htm

The Heart of Man and the Heart of God
... for which God has been working and waiting in our ... you,"just remember poor sin-pursued
David, and pour ... out our hearts before God we pour our hearts upon God. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/whyte/lord teach us to pray/iii the heart of man.htm

God the Holy Spirit the Love which Dwells in the Heart.
... said to stand at the door and knock waiting to be ... and stedfastly in the souls of
the called of God. ... of Love: "It is like the precious ointment upon the head ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xx god the holy spirit.htm

Sermon at the Second Annual Meeting of the Missionary Council in ...
... be buried with his people." And so David Livingstone sleeps ... in his blanket and always
have waiting upon his lips the sweet story of the love of God, our Father ...
//christianbookshelf.org/whipple/five sermons/iii sermon at the second.htm

Death by Disuse
... and sisters who are alive in the Lord, in waiting upon Him in that intensest form
of waiting which waits on ... with us as we pray to the mighty God of revivals ...
/.../wilson-carmichael/things as they are/chapter xiii death by disuse.htm

David's Strength
... over the embers in his hovel, and waiting for kind ... the vast humanity of David, the
man after God's own heart ... it seems to me, which had appeared upon the earth ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/david/sermon ii davids strength.htm

"Art Thou He?"
... Did He not wield the sceptre of the house of David? ... spirit, would miss the true
knowledge that comes through purity, faith, and waiting upon God"the deepest ...
//christianbookshelf.org/meyer/john the baptist/xi art thou he.htm

The King.
... a picture of rare generosity, of patient waiting for God ... of Melchizedek, which had
frowned down upon Israel unsubdued ... and grew great, and the Lord God of Hosts ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/ix the king.htm

Why is waiting on God so difficult? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean to wait on the Lord? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about patience? | GotQuestions.org

Waiting: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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