Typically, I merely skim my Facebook feed. But today I found myself taking time to reflect on a friend’s post that read: “Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our help and our shield.” I know what it means to wait for a phone call, to wait in line, to wait for an answer from a friend or colleague. But it’s been a long time since I’ve grappled with what it means for my soul to wait for the Lord.
To begin unpacking this idea, I read Psalm 130:5-6, which says, ”I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope. I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning” (NIV).
The Hebrew word for “wait” is qavah, a verb that describes the tension of enduring; waiting; looking eagerly for something to happen; to expect. To wait for God means to look to Him continually for assistance and salvation, and to trust that He will work things out “for the good of those who love” Him (Romans 8:28).
It takes strength, courage, and trust to wait on the Lord rather than to take things into our own hands (Psalm 130:7-8). As one commentator states, “The ability to wait on the Lord stems from being confident and focused on who God is and in what God is doing. It means confidence in God’s person: confidence in His wisdom, love, timing, understanding of our situation and that of the world. It means knowing and trusting in God’s principles, promises, purposes, and power.”
As we wait on the Lord we receive strength from Him, and we gain deeper understanding of the fact that His ways are perfect and higher than our own. He alone can provide the “hope” and “unfailing love” we need! (Psalm 130:7). May we “be still” today and “wait patiently” for Him to act (Psalm 37:7).
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Exodus 1:8–2:10
More:
What was King David delivered from when he “waited patiently for the Lord”? (Psalm 40:1-2).
Next:
What does God provide as you wait on Him? How can simply waiting help you grow as a believer in Jesus?
Gary Shultz on January 31, 2016 at 6:11 am
Great topic Roxanne, I think about it often. We have become very “do” oriented. I don’t know if you hear the same music there as we do here; however, I have been appreciative of the lyrics of Lauren Diagle’s latest song. We have little concept of God’s timing, most times, and He has scripted exactly His perfect timing. Waiting does allow the opportunity to build “strength” and “gain deeper understanding”, being not always doing. God’s pace not ours. Great way to enjoy Sunday. Thanks for the article and regular participation.
Tom Felten on January 31, 2016 at 9:17 am
Roxanne, may God give us the wisdom to know when to continue to wait on Him and when to move as He leads. I’m often tempted to, as you wrote, take things into my own hands. It’s so much to open my hands and offer my plans, frustrations, and hopes to Him!
joycemb on January 31, 2016 at 9:39 am
Thank you for this Roxanne. For me waiting is a reminder of Who’s I am and in Whom I trust. I’ve always had trouble trusting anyone however it’s in the waiting I reaffirm my devotion to the only One I can and should truly trust. It’s a good place to be although it’s taken years to get here.
Roxanne Robbins on January 31, 2016 at 11:23 am
Gary – I was unfamiliar with Lauren Daigle’s music. Thank you for introducing me to it. Am listening now and soaking in what it means to better know God and consider Him my treasure — without “letting anything else come before.”
jim spillane on January 31, 2016 at 2:12 pm
Roxanne – the verse “my soul waits for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning” is important for me. In today’s fast-paced world, waiting often produces tension and anxiety, because patience is a virtue and very few are born with it. It might be easier to wait for the morning sunrise because we have a pretty good idea when that will happen if we look at the clock, but to wait for our Heavenly Father to act or answer our prayers requires not only patience but trust. We should know that His timing is always perfect and He never acts too late. Blessings to all at ODB.
Roxanne Robbins on January 31, 2016 at 2:25 pm
Jim, My son has an extraordinary amount of patience and trust in the Lord’s provision and timing. I struggle and find, as you wrote, that when I’m in the tension of waiting anxiety results. I’m reminded of how I used to believe “taking thoughts captive” referred to lust, jealousy, etc. As I grasp that it also refers to capturing thoughts of disbelief in God’s trustworthiness, and to removing doubts that He will provide, my soul waits easier. I think my struggle is less about the wait and more about the lack of faith something(s) I desire will happen at all. Still have much growing to do!