Wait for the Lord


The Psalms are full of this phrase. What does it mean? Are we to stop all activity, sit down, and passively do absolutely nothing? Or, is there something else here for us?

Let us think on this for a bit...if someone asks you to wait up, you know what that means right? You've gone ahead and they are trying to catch up with you. Other times we might think of someone running late to a party or dinner and they ask for you to wait until they arrive. I'm not sure either of these really capture the meaning.

To help us, let's hear some of the ways the Psalms use this phrase:

Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord. Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly.
-Psalm 5:3 NLT
Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.
-Psalm 27:14 NLT
Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.
-Psalm 37:7 NLT
For I am waiting for you, O Lord. You must answer for me, O Lord my God.
-Psalm 38:15 NLT

And one more (there are many others too!):
I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry.
-Psalm 40:1 NLT

In just a few references, we see God wanting His children to let Him take charge and effect His will to be done.  Clearly I think that requires us to relenquish control and allow His leading. Waiting requires bravery and courage and patience. Waiting means, at times, stillness and quiet. Waiting requires us to trust God even when others doing evil seem to prosper. And, as Psalm 40:1 affirms, He will indeed hear our cry!



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