What Does It Mean to Wait on the Lord?
Published Sept 13, 2021
In an era where almost everything can be done at the push of a button, waiting is the last thing many of us would want to do. When we want something, we want to have them now. This is why a delayed flight or getting stuck in traffic can bring the worse in some of us. We have forgotten to appreciate the beauty of waiting for something.
When was the last time you had to wait for something? Did you get anxious? Desperate? Angry?
These reactions are typical for many of us. These are the same reactions we have when our prayers are not answered.
First, we get anxious. Then our prayers turn into desperate pleas. Finally, we get angry at God for not giving us what we want. When the anger subsides, we then try to make a deal with Him just so we can get what we want. Then the cycle begins all over again.
But is this really how we’re supposed to wait upon God? If not, then what does it truly mean to wait on the lord?
Here’s what the bible says.
Trust Gods Timing
There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven. – Ecclesiastes 3:1
We may have created plans for our future and set a timeline on when we should achieve it. But our timeline is different from God’s.
Where we seek to achieve as much as we can before we hit a certain age, God wants us to slow down. He gave us this life not to earn a living but to enjoy living.
So if you think things are going slow for you right now, remember you are just in time for God’s plan. Trust in the Lord and his timing. It is never late nor too early. It comes just when you need it most and not when you want it.
He Knows Your Sorrows
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? “I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.” – Jeremiah 17:9-10
At times, it may feel like God is not listening to us. If He does, then surely He wouldn’t let us suffer like this, would He?
He does, and He doesn’t want us to suffer either. When we’re hurting, he’s hurt too.
But most of the time, we suffer because of our own ego. In our quest to prove ourselves, we tend to disregard his will. We fight so hard to make things go our way that we fail to notice it’s already causing us so much suffering.
He knows what’s in our hearts and He knows our future. He doesn’t give you what you want not because He wants you to suffer but to protect you from harm.
He Has Plans For You
Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails. – Proverbs 19:21
There’s a saying that goes: “When a door closes, a window opens.” That closed door is God redirecting you to the window he opened just for you. Maybe he closed that door because he knows it will lead you to nowhere.
He has a plan and a purpose for each and every one of us. It may not be the same as the plan we made for ourselves. But it’s the path that will take us to where we will be happiest.
So if things aren’t going your way right now, maybe that’s God’s way of leading you to that open window and right into the path he has prepared for you. While you’re waiting, keep your eyes open for that window. Who knows, it might just be right in front of you.
Wait in Faith
Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord! – Psalm 31:24
When you wait on God’s plans, does that mean there’s nothing you can do for the time being? Of course not. Waiting does not necessarily mean being idle.
Just like when you’re queuing up in a dentist’s office, you make use of that time to prepare yourself.
This waiting period is an opportunity for you to prepare yourself for his plans. It’s also a chance for you to get to know him better and strengthen your relationship with him. Above all, no matter how hard life gets, keep the faith. Trust that brighter days are just around the corner.
Have Patience
Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. – Psalm 27:14
One of the worst things about waiting is not knowing when it will end. It tests our faith, courage, and most of all our patience. Most of the time, it also takes you on a roller coaster ride of emotions. One day you’re full of enthusiasm and confidence that everything will go your way only to be plagued by doubts and insecurities the next day.
It is during these long and chaotic times that patient endurance is necessary. After all, nothing worth having comes easy, and the longer the wait, the more special it will be. There’s nothing more gratifying than an answered prayer. So wait patiently on the lord be strong, and don’t give up hope.
When you feel any doubt, just think about those who waited patiently for God’s promise. Abraham and his wife Sarah patiently waited for a son and the Lord gave them Isaac. Even Jesus had to wait for more than 30 years to start his ministry. All of them probably had their moments of doubt but at the end of the day, their faith in God won out.
You see, the Lord never said that it would be easy. But he did promise it would be worth it.
Bible Verses About Waiting on the Lord
If you need more inspiration, here are more bible verses that talk about how we should wait on the lord:
- Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall, but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. – Isaiah 40:30-31
- I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the LORD and put their trust in him – Psalm 40:1-3
- Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you, I wait all the day long. – Psalm 25:4-5
- My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him. – Psalm 62:5
- I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope. 6 I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning. – Psalm 130:5-6
- But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. – 2 Peter 3:8-9
- I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. – Psalm 27:13
- But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me. – Micah 7:7
- 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! – Psalm 37:7
- The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. – Lamentations 3:25
Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him! – Isaiah 30:18
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Lay Cistercians of South Florida, is a community of lay people who seeks to have a deeper connection with God by living a life inspired by the monks and nuns through Lay Monasticism. Learn more about what is a Lay Cistercian on our website. Anyone who aspires to do the same as us, and is a confirmed Catholic is welcome to join us! We meet every second Saturday of the month at Emmanuel Catholic Church in Delray Beach, Florida.
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About The Author
Judy Ponio is a professional writer for the Lay Cistercians blog and a devoted Catholic. She works hard to ensure her work uses accurate facts by cross checking reputable sources.
