Topical Encyclopedia Waiting upon God is a recurring theme throughout the Scriptures, reflecting a posture of trust, patience, and hope in the divine promises and timing of the Almighty. This concept is deeply rooted in the faith journey of the saints, who, through various trials and tribulations, have learned to place their expectations in God alone.Biblical Foundation The act of waiting upon God is not passive but involves active faith and reliance on His character and promises. In Psalm 62:5, David expresses this sentiment: "Rest in God alone, O my soul, for my hope comes from Him." Here, the psalmist encourages a soul-level rest and expectation that is anchored in God's faithfulness. Isaiah 40:31 further illustrates the strength and renewal that come from waiting on the Lord: "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 transformative power of waiting on God, promising divine strength and endurance to those who trust in Him. Examples from Scripture Throughout the Bible, numerous saints exemplify the practice of waiting upon God. Abraham, the patriarch of faith, waited for the fulfillment of God's promise of a son, Isaac, despite his advanced age and the seeming impossibility of the situation (Genesis 21:1-3). His expectation was rooted in God's covenant and faithfulness. Similarly, Joseph's life is a testament to waiting on God amidst adversity. Sold into slavery and later imprisoned, Joseph maintained his faith and integrity, ultimately witnessing God's providential plan unfold as he rose to a position of power in Egypt (Genesis 50:20). The prophet Habakkuk also provides insight into waiting on God. In Habakkuk 2:3, he writes, "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 underscores the certainty of God's timing and the assurance that His promises will be fulfilled. Theological Implications Waiting upon God is an exercise in humility and submission, acknowledging that God's ways and thoughts are higher than our own (Isaiah 55:8-9). It requires a relinquishing of control and a deep-seated trust in God's sovereignty and goodness. The New Testament continues this theme, as seen in the life of Simeon, who awaited the consolation of Israel. Luke 2:25-26 records, "Now there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ." Simeon's expectation was fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ, the ultimate revelation of God's promise. Practical Application For believers today, waiting upon God involves prayer, meditation on Scripture, and a steadfast hope in His promises. It is a call to trust in God's perfect timing and to remain faithful in the interim. As the apostle Paul writes in Romans 8:25, "But if we hope for what we do not yet see, we wait for it patiently." In a world that often demands immediate results, the discipline of waiting upon God cultivates spiritual maturity and a deeper relationship with Him. It is a reminder that our ultimate expectation and hope are found in the Lord, who is faithful to fulfill His word. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 62:5My soul, wait you only on God; for my expectation is from him. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Obedience of Faith "But the End of all Things is at Hand, be Ye Therefore Sober and ... Introduction But Whilst the King Has not that Most Blessed Light... "The Fruit of the Spirit is Love" The Life of Mr. James Mitchel. Why is it that Our Lord Has Tarried Till Now? Why Has not the ... Man's Chief End Constant, Instant, Expectant The Misery of those Who, Besides Losing the Saints' Rest, Lose the ... 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 |