It is not easy to wait in patience on the Lord. We want what we want right now, with no delay.
But in the Bible, it’s clear that waiting with patience is an essential part of the Christian life. As we wait, we learn to trust in God’s timing and perfect plan for our lives. In this guide, we will explore what it means to wait on the Lord with patience and how we can meet Him in the stillness of waiting.
What Does It Mean To Wait In Patience?
To wait in patience means to trust in God’s timing and plan, even when it seems like nothing is happening or going according to our own plans. It requires surrendering control and relying on God’s wisdom and sovereignty.
In Psalm 27:14, it says “Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.” This verse reminds us that waiting in patience requires strength and courage because it goes against our natural desire to have things happen on our own timeline.
However, as believers, we must remember that God’s timing is perfect and He knows what is best for us. In Isaiah 55:8-9, it says “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
This verse reminds us that God’s plans and ways are above our own understanding, and waiting in patience is a way for us to trust in His greater wisdom and plan.
Why Is It Important To Wait In Patience?
In our fast-paced society, waiting is often seen as a negative thing. We want things instantly and can become frustrated when we have to wait for something. However, waiting in patience on the Lord is an important aspect of our faith and relationship with God.
It Grows Our Trust In God
First, waiting in patience shows our trust in God. When we wait on Him, we are acknowledging that God is in control and that His timing is perfect. It also shows that we believe He will fulfill His promises to us.
Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Waiting in patience is a way for us to submit to God’s plan and trust that He will guide us in the right direction. In Psalm 37:7, it says “Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.”
When we are patient and still before the Lord, we are showing our trust in Him even when others may seem to be succeeding through their own ways.
It Builds Our Character
Another reason why waiting in patience is important is that it builds our character.
In James 1:2-4, it says “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
When we patiently wait on the Lord, we are allowing our faith to be tested and strengthened. This produces perseverance, which in turn builds our character and leads us to maturity in our faith.
Isaiah 40:31 also encourages us to wait patiently on the Lord, saying “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.”
As we patiently wait on the Lord, our strength is renewed and we are able to face trials with endurance and perseverance.
It Teaches Us Humility
One of the hardest parts about waiting in patience is setting aside our own desires and submitting to God’s timing. This teaches us humility, as we learn to trust in God’s plan instead of our own.
In Proverbs 16:9, it says “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.”
When we learn to patiently wait on the Lord, we are acknowledging that His plan and timing is ultimately better than our own.
It Brings Us Closer to God
Waiting in patience on the Lord brings us closer to Him. As we spend time in prayer and reflection during these periods of waiting, our relationship with God deepens and we learn to rely on Him more.
In Psalm 27:14, it says “Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.”
This verse reminds us that waiting on the Lord requires strength and courage, but in doing so, we will draw closer to Him.
It Strengthens Our Prayer Life
Waiting in patience also strengthens our prayer life. When we are waiting for something from God, it can be tempting to constantly ask Him for what we want. But as we patiently wait, God teaches us to trust in Him and seek His will through prayer.
In Philippians 4:6, it says “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
During periods of waiting, we can follow this verse and present our requests to God, trusting that He will answer in His perfect timing.
It Helps Us Develop Fruit of the Spirit
Lastly, waiting on the Lord teaches us how to develop fruits of the Spirit such as patience, self-control, and faithfulness. As we wait for God’s timing, we are forced to exercise these traits and they become stronger within us.
In Galatians 5:22-23, it says “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance (patience), kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”
Through waiting in patience on the Lord, we can develop these fruits of the Spirit and become more like Christ.
How To Wait In Patience On The Lord
It’s one thing to talk about the importance of waiting in patience on the Lord. But how do we actually grow in waiting in patience? Here are some practical ways.
Depend On God’s Promises
First and foremost, we must remember and depend on God’s promises. In Isaiah 40:31, it says “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.”
God promises to renew our strength as we wait upon Him. Trust in His promises and hold onto them during times of waiting.
Seek God’s Will Through Prayer
As mentioned earlier, we should present our requests to God through prayer. But prayer is not just about asking for what we want. It’s also about seeking God’s will and aligning ourselves with it.
In 1 John 5:14-15, it says “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.”
When we seek God’s will and pray accordingly, our waiting becomes purposeful and aligned with His plans for us.
Trust In God’s Timing
Often, our impatience stems from wanting things to happen according to our own timeline. But as believers, we must trust in God’s timing.
In Ecclesiastes 3:11, it says “He has made everything beautiful in its time.”
God knows the perfect timing for every aspect of our lives and we must trust that His timing is always perfect.
Remember God Is In Control
During times of waiting, it’s natural to feel anxious and uncertain. However, we must constantly remind ourselves that God is in control.
In Psalm 46:10, it says “He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God.'”
We can find peace in knowing that no matter what happens, God is ultimately in control and He will work all things out for our good.
Stay Faithful And Obedient
While waiting on the Lord, it’s important to remember to stay faithful and obedient to His commands. This shows our trust and reliance on Him.
In Galatians 6:9, it says “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Our faithfulness and obedience during times of waiting can lead to blessings and rewards from God.
Final Thoughts
Waiting on the Lord requires patience, trust, and faithfulness. It’s not always easy, but when we seek God’s will, trust in His timing, remember His sovereignty, and stay faithful and obedient, we can find peace and purpose in our waiting.
