Waiting upon God is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing the importance of patience, trust, and hope in the Lord's timing and provision. This concept is deeply rooted in the understanding that God's ways and thoughts are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9), and that His timing is perfect.

Biblical Exhortations to Wait Upon God

1. Psalm 27:14 · "Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD." This verse encourages believers to remain steadfast and courageous while waiting for God's intervention. It highlights the necessity of strength and courage, suggesting that waiting is an active, rather than passive, endeavor.

2. Isaiah 40:31 · "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 passage promises renewal and strength to those who wait on God, using the metaphor of eagles to illustrate the soaring power and endurance granted to the faithful.

3. Lamentations 3:25-26 · "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." Here, waiting is associated with goodness and salvation, encouraging believers to seek God earnestly and to wait quietly, trusting in His deliverance.

Encouragements Found in Scripture

1. Psalm 37:7 · "Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes." This verse reassures believers that despite the apparent success of the wicked, God's justice will prevail. It encourages patience and stillness, trusting in God's ultimate plan.

2. Micah 7:7 · "But as for me, I will look to the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me." This declaration of faith underscores the personal commitment to wait on God, confident that He hears and will respond to the cries of His people.

3. James 5:7-8 · "Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand." This New Testament exhortation draws a parallel between the patience of a farmer and the believer's anticipation of the Lord's return, urging steadfastness and heart preparation.

Theological Implications

Waiting upon God is not merely a passive state but an active expression of faith and trust. It involves a confident expectation that God will fulfill His promises and act on behalf of His people. This waiting is often accompanied by prayer, meditation on Scripture, and a deepening relationship with God. It is a time of spiritual growth and maturity, where believers learn to rely on God's wisdom and timing rather than their own understanding.

Practical Applications

1. Prayer and Meditation: Engage in regular prayer and meditation on God's Word to strengthen faith and patience during times of waiting.

2. Community Support: Seek encouragement and support from fellow believers who can provide strength and perspective during periods of waiting.

3. Active Service: While waiting, continue to serve God and others, using the time to grow in character and godliness.

4. Trust in God's Timing: Cultivate a heart of trust, believing that God's timing is perfect and that He is working all things for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28).

In summary, waiting upon God is a vital aspect of the Christian faith, calling believers to trust in His perfect timing and provision. Through patience, prayer, and active faith, believers are encouraged to wait with hope and expectation for God's promises to be fulfilled.Psalm 27:14
Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 37:7
Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not yourself because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked devices to pass.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hosea 12:6
Therefore turn you to your God: keep mercy and judgment and wait on your God continually.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Christian Devotedness, Etc.
... that he would more abundantly pour out his Holy Spirit upon his Church ... the Lord direct
all our hearts into the love of God, and patient waiting for Christ ...
/.../groves/christian devotedness/christian devotedness etc.htm

Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners Or, a Brief Relation of ...
... as I read in them, and thought upon them (seeing ... he would also deny that there was
a God, angel, or spirit; and would laugh at all exhortations to sobriety ...
/.../bunyan/grace abounding to the chief of sinners/grace abounding to the chief.htm

The Last Interview of Paul with the Elders of Ephesus.
... the justification of his conduct, or calmly waiting the sentence ... excite the elders
of Ephesus, and others upon whom the ... It is the "Church of God," that is, of ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxiv the last interview.htm

Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners:
... as I read in them, and thought upon them, feeling ... he would also deny that there was
a God, angel, or spirit; and would laugh at all exhortations to sobriety ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/grace abounding to the chief.htm

Israel's Hope Encouraged;
... of his meditations and of his deeply impressive exhortations. ... the night is most doleful
and uncomfortable, waiting for spring ... Hope exerciseth itself upon God. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/israels hope encouraged.htm

A Few Sighs from Hell;
... Judge, and from that time be shut out from the presence of God into everlasting ... are
the angels of the Lord at hand; yea, they are ready waiting upon the soul ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a few sighs from hell.htm

Period iv. The Age of the Consolidation of the Church: 200 to 324 ...
... gave up his spirit, for he was waiting for Perpetua ... the lead of its bishop, who relied
upon Matt.16 ... and congregation that, offering up prayer to God, with united ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iv the age of.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... of thy burden: for thou wilt never be settled in thy mind till then; nor canst thou
enjoy the benefits of the blessing which God hath bestowed upon thee till ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
... and her children, and her companion, all waiting for entertainment ... He came to the
door, and looking upon her, He ... God make it a true saying upon me, and grant ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm

What does it mean that hope deferred makes the heart sick (Proverbs 13:12)? | GotQuestions.org

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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

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