Topical Encyclopedia Waiting upon God is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing the importance of patience, trust, and unwavering faith in God's timing and promises. 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 plans for us are ultimately for our good and His glory.Biblical Foundation The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that illustrate the necessity of waiting upon God with full confidence. One of the most cited passages is found in the book of Isaiah: "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" (Isaiah 40:31). This verse highlights the promise of divine strength and endurance for those who patiently wait on the Lord. In the Psalms, David frequently expresses his reliance on God through waiting. Psalm 27:14 encourages believers to "Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the LORD" . This call to patience is coupled with an exhortation to be strong and courageous, indicating that waiting is not passive but an active stance of faith. Examples of Waiting in Scripture The lives of biblical figures provide powerful examples of waiting upon God with full confidence. Abraham, for instance, waited many years for the fulfillment of God's promise to give him a son. Despite the long delay, Abraham's faith did not waver, as noted in Romans 4:20-21: "Yet he did not waver through disbelief in the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God was able to do what He had promised" . Similarly, Joseph's life is a testament to waiting on God. Sold into slavery and later imprisoned, Joseph remained faithful and confident in God's plan. His eventual rise to power in Egypt and the reconciliation with his family demonstrate the fruition of God's purpose through patient endurance. Theological Implications Waiting upon God with full confidence is an expression of faith that acknowledges God's sovereignty and goodness. It requires believers to trust in God's perfect timing and His ability to work all things together for good (Romans 8:28). This trust is not based on human understanding but on the character and promises of God. The act of waiting also serves to refine and strengthen the believer's faith. James 1:3-4 states, "because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything" . Through waiting, believers are shaped and matured, growing in their reliance on God. Practical Application In practical terms, waiting upon God with full confidence involves prayer, meditation on Scripture, and a steadfast commitment to God's will. It requires believers to resist the urge to take matters into their own hands and instead rest in the assurance that God is at work, even when His actions are not immediately visible. The discipline of waiting is also a call to live in hope and expectation, looking forward to the fulfillment of God's promises. As Hebrews 10:23 exhorts, "Let us hold resolutely to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful" . This hope is anchored in the faithfulness of God, who never fails to keep His word. In summary, waiting upon God with full confidence is a vital aspect of the Christian faith, calling believers to trust in God's perfect timing and His unfailing promises. Through the examples of biblical figures and the teachings of Scripture, believers are encouraged to wait patiently, with strength and courage, knowing that God is faithful to fulfill His purposes. Torrey's Topical Textbook Micah 7:7Therefore I will look to the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Waiting Only Upon God Silence to God A Covenant God "Because of his Importunity. " Waiting and Singing Chapter Iii Precious Answers to Prayer Waiting on the Lord A visit to the Harvest Field A Full Reward. Sermon for the Fifteenth Sunday after Trinity 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 |