People tell you to “wait on the Lord,” but what does that mean? How do I do it? Is there a right way to wait on the Lord? Is there a wrong way? Those are all outstanding questions, and the Bible has the answers.
Waiting on the Lord is an essential spiritual discipline. It is best defined as “actively abiding in Christ awaiting His direction.” Waiting on the Lord is not a time of idleness or nothingness but rather a time of deep abiding action and relationship in Christ. Waiting on the Lord is beneficial, powerful, and complex! It can be very challenging to wait for God to fulfill His promises, to fulfill His Word.
So how do we wait on the Lord? Consider these five positions, five places of trust as you choose to wait on the Lord.
(1) Consider your EYES. Keep your eyes on Jesus!
Looking to Him is so important as you wait. I know it seems simple enough, but often we are distracted and discouraged and look elsewhere in times of waiting.
Hebrews 12:1–2 (NKJV) “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
(2) Consider your DESIRES. Live expectantly for Jesus.
As you’re waiting, remember Jesus is coming again! Real purpose and meaning in life come through a patient expectation of His soon return. It’s easy to expect situations to change and people to go through when we must expect Him! His Return is known as the “blessed hope.” Oh, to live our lives with great hope!
Titus 2:11–13 (NKJV) “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,”
(3) Consider your FEET. Move forward in obedience.
Sometimes we think that waiting on the Lord means everything must stop. But that’s not true. God may have you waiting in one area of your life, but not all areas! Move forward in other areas while you’re waiting in this one. Continue to be faithful, responding to God in obedience.
Luke 16:10 (NKJV) “He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much, and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much.”
(4) Consider your HEART. Continue in the unity of fellowship with other believers.
A divided heart comes quickly to the believer who gets impatient waiting and separates from fellowship. Division destroys while unity builds up! Watch out for split loyalties as you’re waiting on God. It’s essential to keep your beliefs focused on Him!
Ephesians 4:1–3 (NKJV) “I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
(5) Consider your MOUTH. Pray to Jesus!
Unity and strength grow through prayer! As you’re waiting on the Lord, you are also seeking the Lord. I can’t emphasize enough the need to read your Bible and pray every day. These are vital in your spiritual growth. The Word of God and prayer bring inner strength to you every time you turn your attention toward Him.
Psalm 27:14 (NKJV) “Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!”
I hope you’re encouraged today as you’re waiting on the Lord. Remember, He is faithful and will bring you through whatever you’re facing!
