WAIT ON THE LORD

Are you hoping for something new in 2022? Or, like me, are you still waiting for something you’ve wanted for many years? This topic of waiting on the Lord comes at the New Year when many think about their future and what it holds. Helpfully, the Bible has some answers!

Some Helpful Bible Passages

      Psalm 27:14 says, “WAIT on the Lord. Be of good courage and He shall strengthen your heart” (NKJV). “Don’t be impatient, WAIT for the Lord, and he will come and save you! Be brave, stouthearted, and courageous. Yes, WAIT and He will help you!” (Life Application Bible)

There are more than 50 other places in the scriptures that use some form of the word WAIT. In Hebrew, the word Qavah (kah-vah) has multiple meanings. Qavah can mean “to expect, to patiently wait, hope, or to look for.” The emphasis is on your faith to expect an outcome with hope and patience. The famous verse, Isaiah 40:31 says that you will renew your strength if you WAIT on Him, and you will “run and not be weary.” Lamentations has one of my favorite passages at chapter 3:22-41. At verse 25, it promises that God “is good to those who WAIT for Him.” There are other verses that will encourage you (see footnote).[1] The over-riding message is to have faith, hope, and believe that it will come in God’s timing not ours necessarily.[2]

Long-Term Waiting

You may have read in our other Blogs that we prayed for 40+ years to see one of our family members come alive in Christ. This was particularly challenging and these verses on waiting and having hope helped us. The best Biblical example of waiting on the Lord is the story of King David. He was anointed by Samuel at approximately 16 years of age but only became King at about 30 years of age (1 Samuel 6:10-13). His life history included many challenges, battles, and crises including an attack by one of his own sons (Absolom). At Ziklag his own warriors were ready to attack him after their camp was burned to the ground. However, David “strengthen himself in the Lord” (1 Samuel 30:6). I suggest you see the book by Bill Johnson on Strengthening Yourself in the Lord. [3] I personally have read and re-read this book in times of challenge, and it has been a wonderful supplement to the Bible for me and my family. Some of the technics for strengthening yourself include continuing prayer, time alone with God, reading favorite Bible passages, and much more (see the Key Scriptures below).

Key Scriptures and a Promise from Jesus

Reading key scriptures is a powerful way to WAIT on the Lord. Some of my favorites include:

Numbers 6: 24-26 (Aaron’s Blessing)—the Lord will “give you peace” (My Grandfather gave this blessing at the end of his sermons as a Lutheran Pastor, and it was powerful).

Joshua 1:8-9 Read the Bible and be strong and courageous. It will give you success.

Psalms (Read a set of Psalms until you find a specific verse that encourages you).[4] My preference is the David Psalms (1-41; 52, 54, 56, 57, 59, 60, 63, 108-110,138-145). Many other Psalms that have helped me and my wife are Psalm 5:1-4—Talk to the Lord each morning; 16:7-10—get counsel from the Lord; 18:1-3—He gives strength; 23—He is our shepherd; 27:4—dwell in His house, 27:13—the Goodness of God; 37:4—He will give the desires of your heart—AND MORE.

Psalm 91 (entire Psalm)—I list this separately because it is a Protection message that we read on every long trip or demanding situation. In the tough times of 2020-2021 it has been a life saver.

Matthew 11:28-30. This message by Jesus is filled with encouragement. Jesus said, “Come to me all who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you (the Yoke is His direction and care, with salvation). Let me teach you because I am humble and gentle of soul, and I will find rest for your soul.” This promises that if we submit our lives to Him, be patient and humble like Him, He will find us rest because of His overflowing love![5]

Mark 11:23-26. This classic passage by Jesus teaches us to have faith in the face of great challenges when we prepare by forgiving others who have mistreated us. Verse 24 says, “whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.” Again, this is for believers who have a close relationship with Jesus and have a habit of forgiving.

There are many more verses! You may have your favorites that have helped you in the past. Meditate over them and speak the words aloud to help you express your needs.

Go in Peace during the New Year and Hang on to your Dreams!

Pastor G. Harold

[1] Other verses that speak of waiting on the Lord: Psalm 37:7 (gives you rest), Psalm 40:1 (He will hear your cry), three times in Psalm 25 (verses 3, 5, and 21—do not be ashamed), Psalm 69:6 (be not ashamed).

[2] See Romans 5:3-5 and 15:13—“may the God of hope fill you with all joy and piece in believing that you may ABOUND in HOPE by the power if the Holy Spirit!”

[3] This highly recommended book is available from the Bethel Church, Redding, CA, bookstore—see the Link page of this website. Johnson uses the life of King David to provide helpful ways to strengthen your belief and strength.

[4] Pastor Bill Johnson suggested the reading of Psalms in his book, “Strengthen Yourself in the Lord”

[5] This passage is from the New Life Translation and other verses are usually from the NKJV. If you want more commentary on this passage, go the www.blueletterbible.org, and enter this verse. Then ask for Commentary and I recommend the lengthy one by Matthew Henry who explains more of the meaning of ‘Yoke” and other parts of this passage.

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