Definition and Concept

Waiting upon God is a spiritual discipline and act of faith characterized by patience, trust, and hope in the Lord's timing and provision. It involves a posture of expectant reliance on God's promises, wisdom, and intervention in the believer's life. This practice is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative and is seen as a vital aspect of a faithful walk with God.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of waiting upon God is richly woven throughout Scripture, emphasizing the importance of trust and patience in the believer's relationship with the Almighty. 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 strength and endurance for those who patiently wait on the Lord.

Psalm 27:14 further encourages believers, "Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the LORD." Here, waiting is associated with strength and courage, suggesting that it is an active, rather than passive, engagement with God.

Theological Significance

Waiting upon God is not merely a passive state but an active engagement of faith. It requires believers to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even when circumstances seem uncertain or challenging. This waiting is often accompanied by prayer, meditation on Scripture, and a steadfast hope in God's promises.

Theologically, waiting upon God is an acknowledgment of human limitations and a declaration of dependence on divine wisdom and timing. It is an expression of humility, recognizing that God's ways and thoughts are higher than our own (Isaiah 55:8-9).

Rejoicing in Salvation

The promise of rejoicing in salvation is a central theme for those who wait upon God. Psalm 62:1 states, "In God alone my soul finds rest; my salvation comes from Him." This verse highlights the peace and joy that come from trusting in God's deliverance and salvation.

The act of waiting is intrinsically linked to the hope of salvation, as seen in Lamentations 3:25-26 : "The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. It is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD." Here, waiting is portrayed as a pathway to experiencing God's goodness and ultimate deliverance.

Practical Implications

For believers, waiting upon God involves cultivating a lifestyle of prayer, worship, and obedience. It requires a heart posture that is open to God's leading and timing, even when it diverges from personal plans or desires. This discipline fosters spiritual growth, deepens faith, and aligns the believer's will with God's purposes.

In times of trial or uncertainty, waiting upon God becomes a source of strength and hope. It encourages believers to remain steadfast, trusting that God's plans are for their ultimate good and His glory (Romans 8:28).

Conclusion

While the practice of waiting upon God may challenge the natural inclination for immediate results, it is a profound expression of faith and trust in the Lord. Those who engage in this spiritual discipline are promised renewed strength, divine guidance, and the joy of salvation, as they align their lives with the eternal purposes of God.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

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

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

The Resurrection of Christ; his Last Interview with his Disciples ...
... and bearing his people, and all their interests upon his heart ... to draw near to the
throne of God, and to ... draweth nigh." To them alone who are waiting for him ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture i the resurrection of.htm

The Doctrines of Salvation A. Repentance. B. Faith. C. ...
... works, casts himself unreservedly upon the mercy of ... praise, petition, pleading,
thanksgiving, intercession, communion, waiting. ... to the fact that God both hears ...
/.../evans/the great doctrines of the bible/the doctrines of salvation a.htm

The Holy Spirit and the World.
... ten days after his ascension, the saints, "waiting for the ... Acts 2:38, the Holy Spirit
fell upon the eleven ... they are sons," making them temples of God in which ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the holy spirit and the.htm

Abraham's Offering up his Son Isaac
... there is nothing like being kept waiting upon God; and, if we ... carrying the wood upon
his shoulders, upon which he ... it is the gift of God." Notwithstanding, good ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/abrahams offering up his son.htm

Christian Stewardship.
... Though God has devolved upon us, as stewards, a responsible ... to God, and holding
ourselves as waiting servants to do ... The God of heaven, he will prosper his true ...
/.../dibble/thoughts on missions/chapter ii christian stewardship.htm

Psalm LXXI.
... Christ is sitting on the right hand of God; the things ... mind ye, not the things which
are upon the earth ... earth in faith and love, still however waiting for the ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxi.htm

Manner of Covenanting.
... adopted by men should stand for the whole appointed by God. ... at first has no need
to act faith upon him again ... after that there is no necessity for waiting on the ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter ii manner of covenanting.htm

Nothing but Leaves
... Christ's property, and yet perhaps, they are waiting around the ... may rightly expect
to find fruit upon it ... to identify himself with the people of God, he searched ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/nothing but leaves.htm

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Waiting: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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