Introduction

The concept of "waiting upon God" is a profound theme woven throughout the Scriptures, embodying a posture of trust, patience, and hope in the divine promises and timing of the Almighty. This entry explores the biblical understanding of waiting upon God, highlighting its significance, the promises associated with it, and the spiritual discipline it entails.

Biblical Foundation

The phrase "waiting upon God" is often associated with a deep reliance on God's sovereignty and faithfulness. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word "qavah" is frequently used, which conveys a sense of hope and expectation. Isaiah 40:31 beautifully encapsulates this idea: "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."

Promises of Salvation and Renewal

Scripture assures believers that waiting upon God is not in vain. It is a spiritual discipline that leads to renewal and salvation. Psalm 37:9 states, "For the evildoers will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land." This promise of inheritance and salvation is a recurring theme, emphasizing that those who place their trust in God will ultimately be delivered and rewarded.

Examples from Scripture

Numerous biblical figures exemplify the virtue of waiting upon God. Abraham, the patriarch of faith, waited for the fulfillment of God's promise of a son, demonstrating unwavering trust despite the passage of time (Genesis 15:1-6). Similarly, King David often expressed his reliance on God during times of distress, as seen in Psalm 27:14 : "Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the LORD!"

Spiritual Discipline and Growth

Waiting upon God is not a passive activity but an active engagement in faith. It requires believers to cultivate patience, trust, and perseverance. James 5:7-8 encourages believers to be patient like a farmer waiting for the precious fruit of the earth, reminding them that the Lord's coming is near. This discipline fosters spiritual growth, as believers learn to surrender their own timelines and desires to God's perfect will.

The Role of Prayer and Meditation

Prayer and meditation are integral to the practice of waiting upon God. Through prayer, believers communicate their desires, fears, and hopes to God, seeking His guidance and strength. Psalm 62:5 reflects this attitude: "Rest in God alone, O my soul, for my hope comes from Him." Meditation on God's Word provides comfort and assurance, reinforcing the promises that sustain believers during periods of waiting.

Conclusion

The biblical call to wait upon God is a timeless invitation to trust in His unfailing love and perfect timing. It is a journey of faith that leads to spiritual renewal, strength, and ultimately, salvation. As believers engage in this sacred discipline, they are reminded of God's faithfulness and the eternal hope found in Him.Proverbs 20:22
Say not you, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 25:9
And it shall be said in that day, See, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Conditions of Being Saved
... jailer seems to have made no delay at all, waiting for no ... hold of as God's own words,
and acted upon as if ... When God says, "Look unto Me and be ye saved," He ...
/.../finney/sermons on gospel themes/x conditions of being saved.htm

Visions of Future Glory
... the nations of earth, he hears the waiting ones unite ... and song as, save in the visions
of God, no mortal ... to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 60 visions of future.htm

Abraham's Offering up his Son Isaac
... there is nothing like being kept waiting upon God; and, if ... the wood upon his shoulders,
upon which he ... Jesus, must acknowledge, that salvation is God's free gift ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/abrahams offering up his son.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

Chapter I Beginning and Early Days of the Orphan Work.
... was so great, and my soul was, through grace, truly waiting upon the Lord ... enabled,
by the grace of God, to exercise faith upon the word of God, and believe ...
/.../muller/answers to prayer/chapter i beginning and early.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

False Comforts for Sinners.
... by keeping them in the furnace, and they must wait ... God is not setting himself to
torture a sinner, and ... But he is waiting upon him, and laboring to bring him at ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture xvii false comforts for.htm

Guilt of Neglecting the Heathen.
... do now, fail to send forth a few waiting missionaries, and ... Men speak of operating
upon the world ... to the measure of their duty they might, under God, rescue the ...
/.../dibble/thoughts on missions/chapter iii guilt of neglecting.htm

Prison Experiences for Conscience' Sake --Our Prison
... have we lain here, refusing to engage in hospital ... the true state of things as they
really exist ... affords me abundant time for meditation and waiting upon God. ...
/.../prison experiences for conscience sakeour.htm

Who is on the Lord's Side? Exodus 32:26.
... hope all the while, patiently waiting for a ... world everything that is dishonorable
to God or injurious ... They never entered upon religion with the determination ...
/.../finney/lectures to professing christians/who is on the lords 2.htm

What does it mean that hope deferred makes the heart sick (Proverbs 13:12)? | GotQuestions.org

What 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

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