Waiting, in the biblical context, is often associated with a posture of faith, patience, and hope in God's promises. It is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, where believers are encouraged to wait on the Lord, trusting in His timing and sovereignty. This act of waiting is not passive but involves active trust and expectation that God will fulfill His promises and bring about His salvation.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of waiting is deeply rooted in the Old Testament. 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 strength and renewal that come from waiting on God, emphasizing that those who do so will experience His sustaining power.

In the Psalms, waiting is often linked with hope and trust. Psalm 27:14 exhorts, "Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the LORD." Here, waiting is coupled with courage and strength, suggesting that it requires a steadfast heart and unwavering faith.

Examples of Waiting in Scripture

Several biblical figures exemplify the virtue of waiting on God. Abraham, for instance, waited many years for the fulfillment of God's promise to give him a son. Despite the long delay, Abraham's faith did not waver, and he ultimately rejoiced in the birth of Isaac, the child of promise (Genesis 21:1-3).

Similarly, Joseph endured years of hardship and imprisonment before seeing God's plan unfold in his life. His account, found in Genesis 37-50, illustrates how waiting on God can lead to unexpected and profound blessings, as he was eventually elevated to a position of great authority in Egypt.

The prophet Habakkuk also provides insight into the nature of waiting. In Habakkuk 2:3 , God assures him, "For the vision awaits an appointed time; it testifies of the end and will not lie. Though it lingers, wait for it, since it will surely come and will not delay." This passage underscores the certainty of God's promises and the importance of waiting for their fulfillment.

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, waiting takes on an eschatological dimension, as believers are called to wait for the return of Christ. Romans 8:23-25 speaks of the eager anticipation of redemption: "And not only this, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he can already see? But if we hope for what we do not yet see, we wait for it patiently."

The early Christians were encouraged to wait for the Lord's return with patience and readiness, as seen in James 5:7-8 : "Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the soil—how patient he is for the fall and spring rains. You too, be patient and strengthen your hearts, because the Lord’s coming is near."

Rejoicing in Salvation

The act of waiting is intrinsically linked to the joy of salvation. Those who wait on the Lord are promised not only strength and renewal but also the ultimate joy of seeing God's salvation. Isaiah 25:9 declares, "And in that day it will be said: 'Surely this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He has saved us. This is the LORD for whom we have waited. Let us rejoice and be glad in His salvation.'"

This joy is not merely a future hope but a present reality for those who trust in God's promises. The assurance of salvation and the fulfillment of God's word bring profound joy and peace to the believer's heart, even amidst trials and uncertainties.

In summary, waiting on the Lord is a vital aspect of the Christian faith, characterized by trust, patience, and hope. It is through this waiting that believers experience the joy of God's salvation, both now and in the age to come.Isaiah 25:9
And it shall be said in that day, See, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.
Nave's Topical Index

Visions of Future Glory
... from among the nations of earth, he hears the waiting ones unite ... But it shall be
for those: ... In the earth made new, the redeemed will engage in the occupations ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 60 visions of future.htm

'Other Sheep'
... as well as within the chosen people, waiting for the ... of work of supererogation, which
those may engage in who have a liking that way, and which those who do ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/other sheep.htm

A Prospect of Revival
... the object of this comfort, therefore, engage your attention ... There are those who
once were fruitful, but are ... Monday afternoon, when we had been waiting upon the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/a prospect of revival.htm

A More Particular view of the Several Branches of the Christian ...
... will carry it against all, and keep you waiting quietly for ... men from such courses,
but to engage them to ... I seek every blessing, and especially those which may ...
/.../the rise and progress of religion in the soul/chapter xiv a more particular.htm

The Resurrection of Christ; his Last Interview with his Disciples ...
... and entertainment to every reader, they particularly engage the attention ... his heart,
to behold around him those for whom ... To them alone who are waiting for him ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture i the resurrection of.htm

The Doctrines of Salvation A. Repentance. B. Faith. C. ...
... Rom.8:23""Waiting for the adoption, to-wit, the ... Those who are adopted into God's
family are: Led ... the most important employment that could engage their time ...
/.../evans/the great doctrines of the bible/the doctrines of salvation a.htm

From John Yeardley's Conversion to the Commencement of his Public ...
... weakness; but thou, who art always waiting to gather ... to fill up the honorable situations
of those worthies, when ... me, and seemed at times to engage his servants ...
/.../chapter i from john yeardleys.htm

The Antitype of the Christian Home.
... of angels." With these you shall engage in the ... They beckon us to themselves; they
are waiting for us ... the bride say, come!" Oh, regard those solemn admonitions ...
/.../philips/the christian home/chapter xxviii the antitype of.htm

The Holy Spirit and the World.
... ten days after his ascension, the saints, "waiting for the ... and the breaking of bread
and prayers." Those filled with the Holy Spirit engage in bolder ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the holy spirit and the.htm

The Investigative Judgment.
... appears in the presence of God, to engage in the ... I will remember their sin no more."
"In those days, and ... unto salvation,"(867) to bless His waiting people with ...
/.../28 the investigative judgment.htm

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Waiting: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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