Topical Encyclopedia Waiting upon God is a profound spiritual discipline that is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative. It involves a posture of trust, patience, and expectation, where believers actively seek God's presence, guidance, and intervention in their lives. This practice is not passive but is characterized by a hopeful anticipation of God's goodness and faithfulness.Biblical Foundation The concept of waiting upon God is richly illustrated throughout Scripture. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word "qavah" is often used, which conveys the idea of hope and expectation. Isaiah 40:31 declares, "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 encapsulates the promise of divine renewal and strength for those who patiently wait on the Lord. The Psalms frequently echo this theme, emphasizing trust and reliance on God's timing. Psalm 27:14 encourages believers, "Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the LORD." Here, waiting is linked with courage and strength, suggesting that it is an active engagement rather than a passive state. Experiencing God's Goodness Those who wait upon God are promised the experience of His goodness. This is not merely a future hope but a present reality for those who trust in Him. Psalm 34:8 invites believers to "Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!" This tasting and seeing are experiential, indicating that God's goodness is both tangible and accessible to those who seek Him. The prophet Jeremiah, in Lamentations 3:25 , affirms, "The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him." This verse highlights the intimate connection between waiting and seeking, suggesting that those who earnestly pursue God will encounter His benevolence and grace. New Testament Perspective In the New Testament, waiting upon God is often associated with the anticipation of Christ's return and the fulfillment of God's promises. Romans 8:25 states, "But if we hope for what we do not yet see, we wait for it patiently." This patience is rooted in the assurance of God's faithfulness and the certainty of His promises. The early church exemplified this waiting in Acts 1:4 , where the disciples were instructed by Jesus to "wait for the gift My Father promised, which you have heard Me speak about." Their obedience in waiting led to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, demonstrating that waiting upon God can lead to profound spiritual empowerment and blessing. Practical Implications For believers today, waiting upon God involves a commitment to prayer, meditation on Scripture, and a lifestyle of worship. It requires surrendering personal agendas and trusting in God's perfect timing. This discipline cultivates spiritual maturity, deepens faith, and aligns the believer's heart with God's purposes. In a world that often values immediacy and self-reliance, waiting upon God stands as a countercultural act of faith. It is a declaration of dependence on the Creator and an acknowledgment of His sovereignty and goodness. As believers engage in this practice, they are invited to experience the richness of God's presence and the fulfillment of His promises in their lives. Torrey's Topical Textbook Lamentations 3:25The LORD is good to them that wait for him, to the soul that seeks him. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Messiah's Easy Yoke The Resurrection of Christ; his Last Interview with his Disciples ... The Angel's Message and Song The Book of the Covenant The Intercession of Christ On the Difficulties and Duties of the Christian Life. The Conversion of Cornelius. Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners Or, a Brief Relation of ... The Doctrines of Salvation A. Repentance. B. Faith. C. ... The First Delegated General Conference of 1812 Resources Why is waiting on God so difficult? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to wait on the Lord? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about patience? | 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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