Topical Encyclopedia Definition and ImportanceWaiting upon God is a spiritual discipline that involves trusting in God's timing, seeking His guidance, and relying on His strength. It is an active, expectant, and patient posture of faith that acknowledges God's sovereignty and wisdom. This practice is essential for believers as it cultivates a deeper relationship with God and aligns their hearts with His will. Biblical Foundation The concept of waiting upon God is deeply rooted in Scripture, where it is often associated with hope, trust, and renewal of strength. Isaiah 40:31 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 transformative power of waiting on God, promising strength and endurance to those who trust in Him. Psalm 27:14 encourages believers to "Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the LORD." Here, waiting is linked with courage and strength, suggesting that it is not a passive activity but one that requires fortitude and resilience. Continual Waiting The call to wait upon God is not a one-time event but a continual practice. Lamentations 3:25 affirms, "The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him." This ongoing waiting is an expression of faith and dependence on God, recognizing that His timing and plans are perfect. In the New Testament, the theme of continual waiting is echoed in Romans 8:25 : "But if we hope for what we do not yet see, we wait for it patiently." This verse underscores the importance of patience and perseverance in the life of a believer, as they anticipate the fulfillment of God's promises. Examples from Scripture Throughout the Bible, numerous figures exemplify the practice of waiting upon God. Abraham waited for the promise of a son, demonstrating faith in God's covenant (Genesis 15:5-6). Joseph endured years of hardship before seeing God's plan unfold in his life (Genesis 50:20). David, anointed as king, waited many years before ascending to the throne, often expressing his reliance on God in the Psalms (Psalm 37:7). The early church also exemplified waiting upon God, as seen in Acts 1:4 , where Jesus instructed His disciples to wait for the Holy Spirit: "And while they were gathered together, He commanded them: 'Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift the Father promised, which you have heard Me speak about.'" Practical Application For believers today, waiting upon God involves prayer, meditation on Scripture, and a posture of surrender to His will. It requires a heart that is open to God's leading and a willingness to trust Him in all circumstances. As Psalm 62:5 declares, "Rest in God alone, O my soul, for my hope comes from Him." In a world that often values immediacy and self-reliance, the discipline of waiting upon God serves as a countercultural testament to faith in His perfect timing and provision. Torrey's Topical Textbook Hosea 12:6Therefore turn you to your God: keep mercy and judgment and wait on your God continually. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Waiting on God That God May be all in All. Strong Faith in a Faithful God John xvi. 16, 17 Absurdity of their Styling Themselves Spiritual, While the ... A Prospect of Revival Thoughts Upon the Appearance of Christ the Sun of Righteousness ... How Christ is to be Made Use Of, in Reference to Growing in Grace. Light at Evening Time The Honored Servant Resources Why is waiting on God so difficult? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to wait on the Lord? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about patience? | 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 |