Topical Bible: Waiting Upon God: They Who Engage In are Blessed

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Topical Encyclopedia

Waiting upon God is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing the importance of patience, trust, and hope in the Lord. This concept is deeply rooted in the understanding that God's timing is perfect and His plans are for the ultimate good of those who love Him. The act of waiting upon God is not passive but involves active faith, prayer, and expectation of God's intervention and guidance.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings on the blessings associated with waiting upon God. 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 renewal of strength and vitality that comes from trusting in God's timing and provision.

In the Psalms, David frequently speaks of waiting on the Lord as a source of hope and deliverance. Psalm 27:14 encourages believers to "Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the LORD" . This call to patience and courage underscores the belief that God is faithful to fulfill His promises.

Examples of Waiting in Scripture

Several biblical figures exemplify the virtue of waiting upon God. Abraham, for instance, waited many years for the fulfillment of God's promise to give him a son. Despite the long wait, Abraham's faith did not waver, and he was ultimately blessed with Isaac, through whom God's covenant was established (Genesis 21:1-3).

Joseph is another example; he endured years of hardship and imprisonment before God's plan for his life unfolded, leading him to a position of power in Egypt where he could save his family during a famine (Genesis 41:39-41).

The New Testament also speaks to the blessings of waiting on God. In the parable of the ten virgins, Jesus emphasizes the importance of readiness and patience, as those who were prepared and waited for the bridegroom were welcomed into the wedding feast (Matthew 25:1-13).

Spiritual Benefits

Waiting upon God cultivates spiritual growth and maturity. It teaches believers to rely on God's wisdom rather than their own understanding. James 1:4 states, "Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything" . This perseverance is often developed through periods of waiting.

Moreover, waiting on God strengthens one's relationship with Him. It is during these times that believers are drawn closer to God through prayer and reflection, learning to hear His voice and discern His will. The intimacy developed in these moments is a profound blessing, as it deepens one's faith and trust in God's sovereignty.

Promises of Blessing

The Bible assures believers that those who wait upon the Lord will experience His goodness and faithfulness. Lamentations 3:25 declares, "The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him" . This promise of divine goodness is a source of encouragement for those who find themselves in seasons of waiting.

In conclusion, waiting upon God is a vital aspect of the Christian faith, offering numerous spiritual benefits and blessings. It is an active expression of trust in God's perfect timing and His unfailing love for His people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 30:18
And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious to you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy on you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Daniel 12:12
Blessed is he that waits, and comes to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

God Seeks Intercessors
... with its wondrous calling and its sure promises, waiting to be ... seek to obey it, but
confess that they know but little of taking hold upon God or prevailing ...
/.../murray/the ministry of intercession/chapter xiv god seeks intercessors.htm

Abraham's Offering up his Son Isaac
... watching unto prayer: for there is nothing like being kept waiting upon God; and,
if ... He was in effect offered upon the altar, and God looked upon him as ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/abrahams offering up his son.htm

The Book of the Covenant
... is a matter of outward instruction from man: the waiting to hear ... is the Holy Spirit
entering the heart, writing, revealing, impressing upon it God's law and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/the two covenants/chapter xii the book of.htm

Directions to Awakened Sinners.
... for the future to employ himself in his service, waiting only the ... and when you have
done it, recollect frequently the vows of God that are upon you; (Psal ...
/.../practical discourses on regeneration/discourse ix directions to awakened.htm

Conclusion.
... nor asleep, with my lamp unfurnished; but waiting and longing ... beam from the face
of the Son of God; and not ... may be effectual, through thy grace, upon the heart ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the saints everlasting rest/conclusion.htm

A Word to Workers
... Testament times, the Spirit came with power upon the prophets ... first place, that the
Spirit of God should come ... shall be a tender, broken-hearted waiting on God ...
/.../murray/the deeper christian life/vii a word to workers.htm

Letter viii. Public and Social Worship, and Sabbath Employments.
... We cannot, therefore, excuse ourselves for not waiting upon these means ... let company
prevent your attendance upon these meetings ... to that of the living God is most ...
/.../letter viii public and social.htm

The Necessity for Praying Men
... The only acceptable waiting before God of which they ... of their prayer example and
teaching upon the early ... God's cause just now needs very greatly praying leaders ...
/.../bounds/the weapon of prayer/iii the necessity for praying.htm

A Prospect of Revival
... I remember one Monday afternoon, when we had been waiting upon the Lord ... fellows indeed,
and had sorely transgressed against God; but there they were, broken ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/a prospect of revival.htm

Covenanting Sanctioned by the Divine Example.
... blessings wait, and attract while waiting,"He waits ... Taking hold upon it, the unnumbered
millions for whom it ... because of the example of God, an illustration ...
/.../the ordinance of covenanting/chapter ix covenanting sanctioned by.htm