Topical Bible: Waiting: All the Day

◄ Waiting: All the Day ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of waiting, particularly "all the day," is a recurring theme in the Bible, reflecting a posture of patience, trust, and hope in God's timing and providence. This theme is woven throughout Scripture, emphasizing the importance of steadfastness and reliance on the Lord.

Biblical References

One of the key verses that encapsulate this idea is found in Psalm 25:5, where David writes, "Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; all day long I wait for You." . Here, waiting is associated with a desire for divine guidance and truth, underscoring a deep trust in God's wisdom and timing.

Similarly, Psalm 130:5-6 expresses a profound sense of anticipation and hope: "I wait for the LORD; my soul does wait, and in His word I put my hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning." . This passage highlights the intensity and earnestness of waiting, likening it to the vigilant anticipation of watchmen longing for the dawn.

Theological Significance

Waiting "all the day" is not merely a passive activity but an active expression of faith. It involves a conscious decision to trust in God's promises and timing, even when immediate circumstances may seem uncertain or challenging. This waiting is often accompanied by prayer, meditation on Scripture, and a heart posture of humility and surrender.

Theologically, waiting is linked to the virtue of patience, a fruit of the Spirit as described in Galatians 5:22-23. Patience is cultivated through trials and tribulations, as believers learn to depend on God's strength and timing rather than their own understanding. James 1:3-4 states, "because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." . This passage suggests that waiting is instrumental in spiritual growth and maturity.

Examples from Scripture

Throughout the Bible, numerous figures exemplify the virtue of waiting on the Lord. Abraham waited for the promise of a son, demonstrating faith in God's covenant despite his advanced age (Genesis 15:2-6). Joseph endured years of hardship and imprisonment before seeing the fulfillment of his dreams (Genesis 37-41). The Israelites waited for deliverance from Egypt, and later, for the coming of the Messiah.

In the New Testament, the early church waited for the promised Holy Spirit after Jesus' ascension (Acts 1:4-5). This period of waiting was marked by prayer and unity, leading to the outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost.

Practical Implications

For believers today, waiting "all the day" serves as a reminder to trust in God's sovereignty and perfect timing. It encourages a lifestyle of prayerful dependence, where one's hope is anchored in the promises of Scripture. This waiting is not without purpose; it refines character, strengthens faith, and aligns the believer's heart with God's will.

In a world that often values immediacy and instant gratification, the biblical call to wait challenges Christians to embrace a countercultural mindset. It invites them to rest in the assurance that God is at work, even when His plans are not immediately visible.

Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 25:5
Lead me in your truth, and teach me: for you are the God of my salvation; on you do I wait all the day.
Nave's Topical Index

Greek

2235. ede -- already
... Speech: Adverb Transliteration: ede Phonetic Spelling: (ay'-day) Short Definition:
now, already Definition: already; now at length, now after all this waiting. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2235.htm - 7k

Library

Waiting on God
... exertion of human nature, instead of waiting, and waiting long if ... of this blessed
light of God, all in all to our ... he has said, and is saying every day: "I want ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/the masters indwelling/iii waiting on god.htm

Waiting on the Lord
... was not a test of doing but of waiting. And thus the Lord said to me that day,
"I knew that you could run, I knew that you would work with all your strength ...
//christianbookshelf.org/naylor/heart talks/talk twenty-two waiting on the.htm

Waiting the Father's Word.
... This is all. Then the day will surely be Peaceful, whatsoe'er befall, Bright and
blessed ... Waiting the Father's send-off at every turn: this is the message from ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks about jesus/waiting the fathers word.htm

Sunday after Ascension Day. These all Confessed that they were ...
... Sunday After Ascension Day. These all confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims
on the earth. ... That is waiting us afar,. ... Where all earthly splendours pale. ...
/.../lyra germanica the christian year/sunday after ascension day these.htm

The Waiting Maidens
... Watch therefore; for ye know neither the day nor the ... but modify the attitude of the
waiting Church, and ... of time before His advent, during which all His people ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the waiting maidens.htm

First Day in New York
... This is my first day in New York ... my thoughts were so animated as to feel that all
the arteries ... and they saw my photograph, and they were waiting notification of ...
/.../chapter iii first day in.htm

Entrance into Rest.
... I enter into the rest?" I say, first of all, speak this ... the old corn of the land
was there waiting for them ... Oh, Christian, come and say to-day, "I believe there ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/murray/the masters indwelling/iv entrance into rest.htm

The Fact of the Redeemer's Return was Foreshadowed in the Ritual ...
... worn by the high priest on the Day of Atonement ... and blessed be God our sins have
all been completely ... of beauty and glory returned to the waiting Congregation in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/5 the fact of the.htm

'All Spiritual Blessings'
... inner man, the true self, but because they are imparted to the waiting spirit by ...
Him also freely given us all things?' And we possess them all to-day if our ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/all spiritual blessings.htm

Daily Fellowship with God
... Begin each day by tarrying before God, and letting Him touch you. ... God the Almighty
One, Who worketh all in all, is even now waiting to work in me, and ...
/.../murray/the deeper christian life/i daily fellowship with god.htm