Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Concept Waiting upon God is a spiritual discipline and an act of faith that involves trusting in God's timing, wisdom, and provision. It is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing patience, hope, and reliance on God's promises. This practice is not passive but involves active engagement in prayer, meditation on Scripture, and obedience to God's commands. Biblical References The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings on the virtue and benefits of waiting upon God. One of the most cited passages 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 highlights the renewal of strength and vitality that comes from trusting in the Lord. In Psalm 27:14, the psalmist encourages believers to "Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the LORD." This verse underscores the importance of courage and strength in the process of waiting, suggesting that it is an active and intentional pursuit. Lamentations 3:25-26 also speaks to the goodness of waiting on God: "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 associated with seeking God and experiencing His goodness and salvation. Theological Significance Waiting upon God is deeply rooted in the character of God as faithful and sovereign. It reflects a trust in His perfect timing and understanding that His ways are higher than human ways (Isaiah 55:8-9). This practice acknowledges God's omniscience and omnipotence, recognizing that He works all things for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). The act of waiting is also a demonstration of humility and submission to God's will. It requires believers to surrender their own desires and timelines, aligning themselves with God's purposes. This submission is an expression of faith, as it involves believing that God's plans are ultimately for the best, even when they are not immediately apparent. Practical Implications In practical terms, waiting upon God involves several key actions. First, it requires a commitment to prayer, seeking God's guidance and wisdom in all circumstances. Second, it involves meditating on Scripture, allowing God's Word to shape one's understanding and expectations. Third, it calls for obedience to God's commands, trusting that His instructions are for our benefit. Waiting upon God also involves community. Believers are encouraged to support one another in this discipline, sharing testimonies of God's faithfulness and encouraging each other to remain steadfast in hope. Hebrews 10:23-25 exhorts believers to "hold resolutely to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful," and to "encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Examples from Scripture Numerous biblical figures exemplify the practice of waiting upon God. Abraham waited for the promise of a son, demonstrating faith in God's covenant (Genesis 15:1-6). Joseph endured years of hardship before seeing God's plan unfold in his life (Genesis 37-50). David, anointed as king, waited many years before ascending to the throne, often expressing his trust in God through the Psalms (e.g., Psalm 37:7). The New Testament also provides examples, such as the early church waiting for the Holy Spirit after Jesus' ascension (Acts 1:4-5). This period of waiting was marked by prayer and unity, resulting in the powerful outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost. Conclusion While waiting upon God can be challenging, it is a vital aspect of the Christian faith that leads to spiritual growth and deeper intimacy with God. Through waiting, believers learn to trust in God's perfect timing and experience His faithfulness in profound ways. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 52:9I will praise you for ever, because you have done it: and I will wait on your name; for it is good before your saints. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Waiting Only Upon God Silence to God Waiting on the Lord A Petulant Wish God's Waiting and Man's Of the Most Excellent Exercise we Can Make in the Interior and ... Strong Faith in a Faithful God Waiting and Singing Another Cavil Met, IE , the Devil who Instigated Man to Sin ... The Tables Turned Upon Marcion, by Contrasts, in Favour of the ... 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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