Topical Encyclopedia Definition and SignificanceWaiting upon God is a spiritual discipline characterized by patience, trust, and hope in the Lord's timing and provision. It involves a posture of expectant faith, where believers seek God's guidance, strength, and intervention in their lives. This practice is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative and is seen as an essential aspect of a faithful walk with God. Biblical Foundation The concept of waiting upon God is woven throughout Scripture, emphasizing the importance of patience and trust in the divine plan. One of the most cited passages is Isaiah 40:31, which states, "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 promise of divine renewal and strength for those who patiently wait on the Lord. In Psalm 27:14, the psalmist encourages believers to "Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the LORD." This exhortation underscores the necessity of courage and strength in the waiting process, trusting that God will act in His perfect timing. Theological Implications Waiting upon God is not a passive activity but an active engagement in faith. It requires believers to surrender their own desires and timelines, acknowledging God's sovereignty and wisdom. This act of waiting is a demonstration of humility and dependence on God, recognizing that His ways and thoughts are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). Theologically, waiting upon God is an expression of hope and confidence in His promises. It reflects a deep-seated belief that God is faithful and will fulfill His word. This assurance is rooted in the character of God, who is described as a refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1). Practical Application In practical terms, waiting upon God involves prayer, meditation on Scripture, and a posture of listening for God's voice. It is a time of spiritual growth and refinement, where believers learn to align their will with God's purposes. This period of waiting can be challenging, as it often involves enduring trials and uncertainties. However, it is also a time of profound spiritual enrichment, where one's faith is deepened and strengthened. The practice of waiting upon God is also communal, as believers are encouraged to support one another in prayer and fellowship. The early church exemplified this in Acts 1:14, where the disciples "all joined together constantly in prayer" as they awaited the coming of the Holy Spirit. Promises and Rewards Scripture assures that those who wait upon God will be heard and rewarded. Psalm 40:1-2 declares, "I waited patiently for the LORD; He inclined to me and heard my cry. He lifted me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay; He set my feet upon a rock, and made my footsteps firm." This passage illustrates the deliverance and stability that come from waiting on the Lord. Moreover, Lamentations 3:25 affirms, "The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him." This promise of divine goodness and favor is a source of encouragement for believers who faithfully wait upon God. Conclusion Waiting upon God is a vital aspect of the Christian faith, embodying trust, patience, and hope in the Lord's perfect timing. It is a discipline that requires active engagement and spiritual perseverance, with the assurance that God hears and responds to those who wait upon Him. Through this practice, believers experience spiritual renewal, divine strength, and the fulfillment of God's promises. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 40:1I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined to me, and heard my cry. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Directions to Awakened Sinners. Messiah's Easy Yoke Jesus and Abraham. The Gospel in Samaria The Three Elements of a Complete Life How to Make Use of Christ as the Truth, for Growth in Knowledge. A Word to Workers A Prospect of Revival The Resurrection of Christ; his Last Interview with his Disciples ... Chapter I Beginning and Early Days of the Orphan Work. 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 |
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