WAITING ON THE LORD

In Biblical context, the meaning and significance.  The phrase “wait on the Lord” or “wait upon the Lord” is one of the many lines in the Bible that is frequently used for the encouragement, direction, and help of the people of God.  It is repeated in the Psalms, the Prophets, and the New Testament, to urge the believers to trust in God’s timing, HIS faithfulness, and HIS sovereignty.

 

This article will discuss and analyze what it means to wait on the Lord, its theological significance, and its practical application.

 

Theological Significance: To wait on the Lord has a profound theological significance because it implies that God is in control of everything, that HE is trustworthy, and faithful to HIS promises. (Psalm 27:14) is attached below.  This verse highlights a few theological truths that demonstrate how waiting on the Lord is an act of faith in God.  First, waiting on the Lord acknowledges that God’s timing is perfect, and that HIS ways are higher than our ways.

 

(Isaiah 55:8-9) Tells us that waiting on the Lord means that we recognize that God’s timing is not the same as ours, that HIS ways may not be our ways, but that ultimately, HIS plan and purpose will be fulfilled.  Waiting on the Lord affirms that God is faithful and trustworthy.

 

(Lamentations 3:22-23) This verse emphasizes that God’s faithfulness is rooted in HIS compassionate love for HIS people.  Waiting on the Lord means that we believe God is trustworthy, that HE keeps HIS promises, and that HE will never forsake us.

 

Practical Applications: Waiting on the Lord is not merely a theoretical concept; it has practical applications in our daily lives.  In times, trusting God’s timing is difficult.  To wait on the Lord means that we trust that God’s timing is perfect, and HE will show up at the right time.

 

Seek HIS will and not our own desires. (Psalm 37:4) When we delight in the Lord and seek HIM first, then HE will give us the desires of our heart because our desires will align with HIS.

 

Wait on the Lord that we can rest in HIS presence, even in times of uncertainty or trouble. (Matthew 11:28-29) Waiting on the Lord we can find rest for our soul.  This is an essential aspect of the Christian faith.  It acknowledges God’s sovereignty, HIS faithfulness, and HIS perfect timing.  It calls us to trust in God’s will, rest in HIS presence, and seek the desires of our heart that align with HIS.  In all, waiting on the Lord is an act of faith, a trust in God’s character, and a surrender to HIS will.

 

Psalm 27:14
New International Version

14 “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”

Psalm 27:14
King James Version

14 “Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.”

Psalm 27:14
Living Bible

14 “Don’t be impatient. Wait for the Lord, and he will come and save you! Be brave, stouthearted, and courageous. Yes, wait and he will help you.”

 

Isaiah 55:8-9
New International Version

8 “ “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.
“As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Isaiah 55:8-9
King James Version

8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.

For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Isaiah 55:8-9
Living Bible

8 “This plan of mine is not what you would work out, neither are my thoughts the same as yours! For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than yours, and my thoughts than yours.”

 

Lamentations 3:22-23
New International Version

22 “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.

23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

Lamentations 3:22-23
King James Version

22 “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.

23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.”

Lamentations 3:22-23
Living Bible

22 “his compassion never ends. It is only the Lord’s mercies that have kept us from complete destruction. 23 Great is his faithfulness; his loving-kindness begins afresh each day.”

 

Psalm 37:4
New International Version

4 “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”

Psalm 37:4
King James Version

4 “Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.”

Psalm 37:4
Living Bible

4 “Be delighted with the Lord. Then he will give you all your heart’s desires.”

 

Matthew 11:28-29
New International Version

28 “ “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

Matthew 11:28-29
King James Version

28 “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”

Matthew 11:28-30
Living Bible

28 “Come to me and I will give you rest—all of you who work so hard beneath a heavy yoke. 29-30 Wear my yoke—for it fits perfectly—and let me teach you; for I am gentle and humble, and you shall find rest for your souls; for I give you only light burdens.” ”