Understanding the Biblical Concept in Everyday Language
”Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” (Ps. 37:14)
Have you ever felt like life isn’t going the way you hoped, and you’re just stuck waiting for answers? The Bible often talks about “waiting on the Lord,” and while it might sound like sitting around for something to happen, it’s actually a very active and meaningful process. Let’s break it down into simple terms so you can understand it and apply it to your life.
What Does “Waiting on the Lord” Really Mean?
“Waiting on the Lord” in a biblical context doesn’t mean being passive, like sitting on a couch waiting for a pizza delivery. Instead, it’s about trusting in God’s plan and timing and actively living in a way that aligns with His will. Think of it as putting your faith in someone who knows the roadmap better than you, even when the journey feels uncertain.
At its core, it’s a mixture of patience, hope, and action. You’re not just standing still; you’re preparing your heart, growing your faith, and staying engaged with life while trusting that God’s timing is perfect.
Why Do We Need to Wait?
Life can be unpredictable, and sometimes we want immediate answers or solutions. But the truth is, rushing ahead without understanding God’s plan can lead to more confusion or mistakes. Waiting allows us to grow, reflect, and trust that God has something better in store.
Imagine planting a seed. You can’t harvest fruit the next day—it takes time to grow. Similarly, waiting on the Lord is about trusting the process and knowing that good things will come when the time is right.
Key Aspects of Waiting on the Lord
Here are some simple, practical ways to think about this concept:
Trust and Faith
At the heart of waiting is trust. It means believing that God is good, faithful, and knows what’s best for us—even when life feels out of control. Think of it like trusting a pilot to land a plane safely during turbulence. You may not see what’s ahead, but you trust that God’s timing is perfect.
Active Seeking
Waiting isn’t about doing nothing. It’s about staying connected to God while you wait. Pray, read the Bible, serve others, or talk to someone you trust about your struggles. These actions keep your focus on God and help you grow spiritually while you wait for answers.
Reverence and Humility
Waiting on the Lord also means acknowledging that God is in charge, not us. It’s like handing over control to someone who knows better—letting go of the need to “fix” everything yourself. Trusting in God’s sovereignty means accepting that His ways and timing are higher than ours.
Patience and Perseverance
Waiting isn’t always easy! It often involves enduring tough situations with hope and determination. But instead of giving up, waiting on the Lord encourages us to keep going, trusting that things will work out according to His plan.
Renewed Strength
One of the most encouraging promises in the Bible is that waiting on the Lord brings renewed strength. Imagine an eagle soaring high above the ground, carried by the wind—it’s a peaceful and powerful image. When we wait on God, He gives us the energy and courage to keep moving forward, even when we feel weak.
Examples from the Bible
The Bible is full of wisdom about waiting on the Lord, and here are a few key verses to inspire you:
· Isaiah 40:31: “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”
· Psalm 27:14: “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”
· Psalm 37:7: “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!”
These verses remind us that waiting isn’t just about patience—it’s about strength, courage, and trust in God.
What Can You Do While Waiting?
Instead of feeling stuck or frustrated, here are some positive ways to stay active while waiting on the Lord:
· Pray: Talk to God about your worries, hopes, and questions. Prayer helps you stay connected to Him.
· Read the Bible: Dive into scripture to find encouragement and guidance.
· Serve Others: Helping others can bring joy and purpose while you wait.
· Seek Wise Counsel: Talk to trusted friends, mentors, or spiritual leaders for advice and support.
Remember, waiting doesn’t mean standing still—it’s about keeping your heart and mind focused on God while staying engaged with life.
The Outcome of Waiting
So, what happens when you wait on the Lord? The Bible promises renewed strength, peace, and blessings. It’s not just about getting what you want—it’s about growing closer to God and becoming more like Him in the process.
Waiting on the Lord teaches us patience, deepens our faith, and helps us trust God’s plan even when we don’t understand it. And when the answers come, they’re often more beautiful and fulfilling than we could have imagined.
Final Thoughts
“Waiting on the Lord” might sound challenging, but it’s an opportunity to grow, trust, and find peace in God’s plan. It’s not about sitting back and doing nothing—it’s about actively seeking Him, persevering through hardships, and trusting that His timing is perfect. The next time you find yourself waiting, remember that God is working behind the scenes, preparing something wonderful for you.
In His Service,
Minister A. Francine Green
afrancinegreen.com 