13 Ways to Wait on the Lord

The concept of “waiting on the Lord” may seem strange to modern Christians – we want God to show up right here and now, no waiting or delays required. But it is essential that we learn the habit and discipline of waiting for God to arrive at just the right time.

Here are 13 verses to help you in your waiting.

#1 Waiting on the Lord Will Help Your Endurance

Isaiah 40:31 says, “But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”

This verse tells us that waiting on God involves yielding our spirits to Him in order to find new strength. This strength does not come from within us, but from God Himself. We are promised that His strength will course through our spirits, so that we can endure whatever life throws at us, using the imagery of great and mighty eagles to show how high we can soar above our tribulations.

#2 Waiting on the Lord Will Lead to Protection

Psalm 33:20 says, “Our soul waits for the LORD; He is our help and our shield.”

Just because you are not moving in your waiting, does not mean that God is not moving. He is actively working to orchestrate every circumstance in your eternal favor, and when you feel like you are under attack He rides to the rescue to protect and provide for you. God will shield you from harm and deliver you out of temptation; our part is merely to wait for His deliverance.

#3 Waiting on the Lord Means Acknowledging His Sovereignty

Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.”

Waiting on the Lord is not an excuse to become idle, or let down your guard against sinfulness. As you wait, strive to remain faithful to His Word and His will, acknowledging His rule over your life. When you do this, He will always provide direction and guidance towards the right path.

#4 Waiting on the Lord Means Being Patient

James 5:7-8 says, “Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.”

The early Christians thought that Jesus was coming any day, so they were urged to be watchful and always ready for their Savior’s return to earth. We are still in the age of waiting for all of God’s purposes to be accomplished, but we should still be attentive and patient. As we wait, we can do all we can to ensure that we are ready for Jesus’ soon return.

#5 Waiting on the Lord Is Not a Lost Cause

2 Peter 3:9 says, “The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”

Just because we think that God is moving slowly does not mean that He is. His will is accomplished in His timing, not ours; we should remember that God is working for the good of all of His children. Be patient in your waiting, and trust in the promise that He is working for your good.

#6 Waiting on the Lord Is a Sign of Courage

Psalm 27:14 says, “Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!”

Do not let anyone call you weak or afraid because you choose to wait on God. This is a sign that your faith is strong enough to place all of your trust in Him. Boast in the Lord, and take hold of His strength as you endure to the finish!

#7 Waiting on the Lord Is a Blessing of Grace

Isaiah 30:18 says, “Therefore the LORD waits to be gracious to you, and therefore He exalts Himself to show mercy to you. For the LORD is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for Him.”

If we are faithful to wait on God and not hurry away from His peace, He will bless us with His mercy and grace. This serenity in the face of trial comes only from the throne of God, Who is far above anything that may afflict us. By waiting on Him, we trust in His justice and power rather than our own ability or judgment.

#8 Waiting on the Lord Removes Our Worry over Sin

Psalm 37:7 says, “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!”

Even though others around you may seem to prosper through sinful or wayward actions, do not let that affect your faith. Be strong and patient, trusting that God will keep His promises and come to your aid; such trust will always be rewarded, while those who stray from God will receive their own just judgment.

#9 Waiting on the Lord Is a Joyful State of Mind

Colossians 1:11 says, “Being strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy.”

We do not “wait on God” out of fear or anxiety; He removes all of that and replaces it with His power, love, and peace. When we endure with our eyes fixed on God, being patient through every trial and circumstance, we find joy in His presence beyond anything we could create on our own.

#10 Waiting on the Lord Looks to Eternity

Romans 8:18 says, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”

Our present trials do hurt, and we should not completely dismiss the pain they bring. However, our future glory and peace will far outweigh any discomfort we experience in this life. We will spend an eternity in the presence of Almighty God Himself – what a wonderful way to live out the days of forever! Don’t give up, but remember what and Who we are waiting on.

#11 Waiting on the Lord Means Continuing to Do Good

Galatians 6:9 says, “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”

Paul preaches a theme of persistence here: just because we wait on God, does not mean we are exempt from doing good works as we wait. It may be tiring, and we may fail to see the point or reason for behaving righteously at times, but we are commanded and commended to persevere. He will bring about a full harvest for those who work diligently and faithfully.

#12 Waiting on the Lord Will Always Be Rewarded

Philippians 1:6 says, “And I am sure of this, that He Who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”

God’s work in our hearts will always be brought to completion if we are faithful to wait on Him. We can trust that not only is He working for our good in this life, but that His purposes will ultimately be completely fulfilled when Jesus returns again to earth to bring about His eternal reign. Be faithful and patient as God works His will in your life, and you will never be disappointed.

#13 Waiting on the Lord Requires Both Rejoicing and Prayer

Romans 12:12 says, “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”

We should be patient as we wait for God to move. It may be an audible voice that answers our prayers, or it may be a silent tug on our hearts as we worship, but if we are not worshipping or praying we could miss that call. As we hope in God, we should rejoice that He is moving. As we wait on the Lord, we should adopt an attitude of constant and consistent prayer so that we remain as close to His heart as possible. And we should be patient as trials arise, knowing that He will answer and deliver us.