Topical Encyclopedia IntroductionThe concept of "waiting upon God" is a profound theme woven throughout the Scriptures, embodying a posture of trust, patience, and expectation in the believer's relationship with the Almighty. This spiritual discipline is not merely passive but involves active faith and hope in God's promises and timing. The promise that those who wait upon the Lord shall inherit the earth is a testament to the blessings and rewards that accompany such faithful endurance. Biblical Foundation The phrase "waiting upon God" is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, with numerous passages highlighting its significance. One of the most notable references is found in Isaiah 40:31: "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 transformative power and divine strength imparted to those who patiently trust in God. In the Psalms, the theme of waiting is recurrent. Psalm 37:9 states, "For the evildoers will be cut off, but those who wait upon the LORD will inherit the land." This promise of inheriting the land, or earth, is a recurring motif that underscores the ultimate reward for the faithful. The psalmist further encourages believers in Psalm 37:34: "Wait for the LORD and keep His way, and He will exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are cut off, you will see it." Theological Significance Waiting upon God is an expression of deep faith and reliance on His sovereignty and goodness. It acknowledges God's perfect timing and His ability to fulfill His promises. This waiting is not characterized by idleness but by active engagement in prayer, worship, and obedience to God's Word. It is a demonstration of trust that God is working all things for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). The promise of inheriting the earth is both a present and future reality. In the Beatitudes, Jesus echoes this promise: "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth" (Matthew 5:5). The meek, those who humbly submit to God's will and wait upon Him, are assured of their inheritance. This inheritance is not limited to material blessings but encompasses the fullness of God's kingdom and eternal life. Practical Implications For the believer, waiting upon God requires a heart posture of humility and surrender. It involves trusting God's character and His promises, even when circumstances seem contrary. This waiting is marked by a steadfast hope and an unwavering commitment to God's purposes. In practical terms, waiting upon God may involve seeking His guidance through prayer, immersing oneself in Scripture, and remaining faithful in service and obedience. It is a call to resist the temptation to take matters into one's own hands and instead rest in the assurance of God's provision and timing. Conclusion The biblical call to wait upon God is a profound invitation to experience His faithfulness and to partake in the blessings of His kingdom. Those who engage in this spiritual discipline are promised the inheritance of the earth, a testament to the abundant life found in Christ. As believers wait upon the Lord, they are strengthened, renewed, and ultimately exalted to share in the fullness of God's promises. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 37:9For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait on the LORD, they shall inherit the earth. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library A Message of Warning and Entreaty Visions of Future Glory Abraham's Offering up his Son Isaac Covenanting Provided for in the Everlasting Covenant. To Pammachius against John of Jerusalem. Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners Or, a Brief Relation of ... Appeal to the Christian Women of the South From John Yeardley's Conversion to the Commencement of his Public ... According to which principle or hypothesis all the objections ... The Westminster Confession of Faith. AD 1647. 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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