Waiting on God: A Review of the Psalms of Waiting and Active Biblical Trust in Divine Timing

Digging Deeper

Walk Waiting

The Bible does not present waiting on the Lord as passive resignation or a time to “chill out”.  Instead, waiting is an active spiritual discipline that prays, obeys, serves, and perseveres knowing God will act according to His purposes.  Waiting is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, revealing both what God does in those who wait and what you are called to do while waiting.

Waiting acknowledges God’s sovereignty.  In waiting, you relinquish control and express trust that God’s desired outcome is far superior to anything you could achieve.  Psalm 37:3-7 instructs: “Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.  Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.  Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun.  Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him.”

Waiting provides an opportunity for self-examination -  for taking a spiritual inventory.  Psalm 139:23-24 prays: “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.  See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”    2 Corinthians 13:5 instructs: “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves.”  Take an honest and transparent spiritual inventory, taking any areas of concern to the Lord in prayer and to wise godly counsel for guidance and accountability.  Proverbs 11:14 states: “For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.”  Multiple advisors provide perspective and protect from foolish decisions while waiting.

As you wait, remain in God’s word, praying consistently.  Philippians 3:6-7 commands: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”   Not only should your prayers intensify during times of waiting, but your strength will grow as you are empowered by the Holy Spirit.  Isaiah 40:31 affirms: “but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”

Seasons of waiting cultivate gratitude enabling you to worship instead of complain  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”  In all circumstances, you are to choose hope and praise because your salvation is secure, even when nothing else remains.  James 5:7-8 encourages: “Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord.  See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains.  You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.” Walk waiting that your faith be approved. Walk waiting for the joy it gives the Lord.

Your ultimate Christian waiting is for Christ’s second coming.  Titus 2:11-13 declares: “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.”    Hebrews 10:36-37 reassures: “For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.  For, “Yet a little while, and the coming one will come and will not delay.”  “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”  Psalm 27:14