Topical Encyclopedia Waiting upon God is a profound theme throughout the Scriptures, reflecting a deep reliance on the divine timing and wisdom of the Almighty. This act of waiting is not passive but is often accompanied by fervent prayer, where the saints plead earnestly for God's intervention, guidance, and fulfillment of His promises.Biblical Foundation The concept of waiting upon God is rooted in the understanding of His sovereignty and faithfulness. The psalmist declares, "Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the LORD" (Psalm 27:14). This verse encapsulates the essence of waiting with a heart full of trust and courage, knowing that God’s timing is perfect. Prayer as Pleading Throughout the Bible, the saints exemplify waiting upon God through prayer. Their prayers are not mere requests but heartfelt pleadings, reflecting a deep yearning for God's presence and action. In the book of Psalms, David often cries out to God, expressing his dependence and trust. "I waited patiently for the LORD; He inclined to me and heard my cry" (Psalm 40:1). Here, David illustrates the intimate relationship between waiting and prayer, where God responds to the earnest cries of His people. Examples of Saints Pleading 1. Hannah: In 1 Samuel 1, Hannah's account is a poignant example of waiting upon God through prayer. Childless and in deep distress, she pleads with the Lord for a son. Her prayer is marked by sincerity and faith, as she vows to dedicate her child to God. "In her bitter distress, Hannah prayed to the LORD and wept with many tears" (1 Samuel 1:10). Her perseverance in prayer and waiting is rewarded with the birth of Samuel, demonstrating God's faithfulness. 2. Daniel: Daniel's life is a testament to waiting upon God through prayer, especially during times of trial. In Daniel 9, he turns to God in prayer and fasting, seeking understanding and deliverance for his people. "So I turned my attention to the Lord God to seek Him by prayer and petitions, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes" (Daniel 9:3). Daniel's persistent prayer life exemplifies a steadfast commitment to waiting on God's timing and revelation. 3. The Early Church: In the New Testament, the early church is depicted as a community that waits upon God through collective prayer. In Acts 1:14, the disciples, along with Mary and other women, are described as being "devoted to prayer" as they await the promised Holy Spirit. This period of waiting is characterized by unity and fervent prayer, leading to the outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost. Theological Implications Waiting upon God through prayer is an act of faith and submission. It acknowledges God's ultimate authority and timing, trusting that His plans are for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). This waiting is not without struggle, as it often involves wrestling with doubt and impatience. However, it is through this process that believers grow in spiritual maturity and intimacy with God. Encouragement for Believers Believers are encouraged to emulate the examples of the saints, approaching God with boldness and humility in prayer. The assurance that God hears and responds to the cries of His people is a source of hope and strength. As Isaiah 40:31 promises, "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 promise serves as a reminder of the blessings and renewal that come from waiting upon the Lord in prayer. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 25:21Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on you. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 33:2 Library Prayer Answered, Love Nourished Prayer and Obedience Wilt Thou be Made Whole? "The Fruit of the Spirit is Love" Prayer Perfumed with Praise "Nothing is Impossible to Industry, "Said one of the Seven Sages ... The Desire of the Soul in Spiritual Darkness Bear up the Hands that Hang Down, by Faith and Prayer... The Morning Watch in the Life of Obedience. Limiting God 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 |
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