Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Concept Waiting on God is a spiritual discipline and an act of faith that involves trusting in God's timing, wisdom, and sovereignty. It is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, where believers are encouraged to rely on God's promises and His perfect plan, even when immediate answers or solutions are not apparent. This practice is characterized by patience, hope, and a steadfast belief in God's goodness and faithfulness. Biblical References The concept of waiting on God is richly illustrated in both the Old and New Testaments. 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 highlights the spiritual renewal and strength that come from trusting in God. In the Psalms, waiting on God is often associated with hope and trust. Psalm 27:14 encourages believers, "Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the LORD." Similarly, 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." The New Testament also emphasizes the importance of waiting on God. In Romans 8:25, Paul writes, "But if we hope for what we do not yet see, we wait for it patiently." This verse underscores the connection between hope and patience in the life of a believer. Theological Significance Waiting on God is an expression of faith and trust in His divine plan. It acknowledges God's omniscience and omnipotence, recognizing that His ways and thoughts are higher than human understanding (Isaiah 55:8-9). This act of waiting is not passive but involves active engagement in prayer, meditation on Scripture, and obedience to God's commands. Theologically, waiting on God is linked to the concept of divine timing. God's timing is perfect, and His delays are not denials but opportunities for growth, refinement, and preparation. As believers wait, they are often being prepared for greater things, and their faith is being strengthened. Practical Implications In practical terms, waiting on God requires patience and perseverance. It involves surrendering personal agendas and timelines to God's will. This can be challenging, especially in a culture that values instant gratification. However, the discipline of waiting fosters spiritual maturity and deepens one's relationship with God. Believers are encouraged to use times of waiting to draw closer to God through prayer, worship, and the study of His Word. These practices help to align one's heart with God's purposes and provide comfort and assurance during periods of uncertainty. Examples from Scripture Numerous biblical figures exemplify the practice of waiting on 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 the fulfillment of his dreams (Genesis 37-50). David, anointed as king, waited many years before ascending to the throne, often expressing his reliance on God in the Psalms (1 Samuel 16; Psalm 40:1). In the New Testament, the early church waited for the coming of the Holy Spirit as promised by Jesus (Acts 1:4-5). This period of waiting was marked by prayer and unity among the believers, leading to the powerful outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 2). Conclusion While waiting on God can be challenging, it is a vital aspect of the Christian faith that cultivates trust, patience, and spiritual growth. Through waiting, believers learn to depend on God's perfect timing and His unfailing promises, ultimately leading to a deeper and more resilient faith. Topical Bible Verses James 5:7-8Be patient therefore, brothers, to the coming of the Lord. Behold, the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, and has long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Topicalbible.org James 5:11 Colossians 1:11 Romans 5:3-4 Greek 1783. enteuxis -- a petition, ie spec. supplication ... Thus biblical intercession centers in waiting upon the Lord to learn what (is His will) -- ie guiding the ... It always builds on faith (learning God's ).]. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1783.htm - 8k Library Waiting Upon God in his House. LM Doddridge. The Patient Waiting Upon God. Waiting on God Waiting and Singing God's Waiting and Man's Waiting Only Upon God Appendix A Silence to God Daily Fellowship with God Waiting Faith Rewarded and Strengthened by New Revelations Resources What does it mean that hope deferred makes the heart sick (Proverbs 13:12)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat 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 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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