Topical Encyclopedia IntroductionThe 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, emphasizing the assurance that those who engage in this spiritual discipline shall not be ashamed. Biblical Foundation The phrase "waiting upon God" is deeply rooted in the Hebrew Scriptures and carries the connotation of hopeful expectation and reliance on God's faithfulness. One of the most cited verses 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 encapsulates the promise of divine renewal and strength for those who patiently trust in God. Old Testament Insights In the Old Testament, waiting upon God is often associated with the anticipation of His deliverance and intervention. Psalm 25:3 declares, "Surely none who wait for You will be put to shame; but those who are faithless without cause will be disgraced" . This verse highlights the assurance that those who place their hope in God will not experience shame, contrasting them with those who act faithlessly. The patriarchs and prophets exemplified this waiting. Abraham, for instance, waited for the fulfillment of God's promise of a son, demonstrating faith despite the delay (Genesis 15:1-6). Similarly, the prophet Habakkuk resolved to wait for God's answer and justice, saying, "I will stand at my guard post and station myself on the ramparts; I will watch to see what He will say to me, and how I should answer when corrected" (Habakkuk 2:1). New Testament Perspective In the New Testament, waiting upon God is closely linked with the anticipation of Christ's return and the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Romans 8:25 states, "But if we hope for what we do not yet see, we wait for it patiently" . This verse underscores the Christian's call to patient endurance as they await the ultimate realization of God's promises. The early church exemplified this waiting posture, as seen in Acts 1:4, where Jesus instructed His disciples to wait for the Holy Spirit: "And while they were gathered together, He commanded them: 'Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift the Father promised, which you have heard Me discuss'" . This waiting was not passive but active, involving prayer and preparation for the coming empowerment. Spiritual Discipline and Assurance Waiting upon God is a spiritual discipline that requires faith, patience, and surrender. It involves trusting in God's timing and wisdom, even when circumstances seem uncertain or delayed. Psalm 37:7 advises, "Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when men prosper in their ways, when they carry out wicked schemes" . This counsel encourages believers to remain steadfast and composed, trusting that God's justice and righteousness will prevail. The assurance that those who wait upon God shall not be ashamed is a recurring promise. Isaiah 49:23 affirms, "Kings will be your foster fathers, and their queens your nursing mothers. They will bow to you face down and lick the dust at your feet. Then you will know that I am the LORD; those who hope in Me will never be put to shame" . This assurance is rooted in the character and faithfulness of God, who honors those who trust in Him. Conclusion The biblical call to wait upon God is an invitation to a deeper relationship with the Creator, marked by trust, hope, and expectation. It is a journey of faith that assures believers they will not be put to shame, as they rely on the steadfast love and promises of the Lord. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 25:3Yes, let none that wait on you be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 49:23 Library Visions of Future Glory Conditions of Being Saved The Daily Walk with Others (I. ). Paul in Jerusalem. Covenanting Sanctioned by the Divine Example. On the Difficulties and Duties of the Christian Life. False Comforts for Sinners. Curiosity a Temptation to Sin. Letter xxii. To Eustochium. Jewish views on Trade, Tradesmen, and Trades' Guilds 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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