Blessing is waiting

Waiting Brings Help from God

“Our soul waiteth for the Lord: he is our help and our shield” (Ps. 33:20).

I. Waiting Brings Strength from God

“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength” (Isa. 40:31).

A. Some Christians lack the strength they need to be a blessing to others. They unsuccessfully depend on self-effort.

B. God wants to use our time, talents, and treasures. We must wait on him, trusting him for needed strength.

C. The psalmist advised: “Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord” (Ps. 27:14).

II. Waiting Brings Serenity from God

“Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself” (Ps. 37:7).

A. There is little peace and quiet in today’s world. Noise, strife, and distraction are the order.

B. Many Christians fail to rest in the Lord and wait for him. They lead complicated lives.

C. We must take time to get quiet before the Lord. God’s Word admonishes: “Be still, and know that I am God” (Ps. 46:10).

III. Waiting Brings Stability from God

“I waited patiently for the Lord; and he … set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings” (Ps. 40:1, 2).

A. Many people lack stability in their Christian walk. They are up one day and down the next. Their influence is hurt and their outreach for God is limited.

B. We must wait patiently on the Lord in prayer and the study of his Word, trusting him to stabilize our lives.

C. God wants his children to become established in the faith. He promised, “After that ye have suffered a while … stablish, strengthen, settle you” (1 Peter 5:10).

IV. Waiting Brings Submission to God

“And he … kneeled down, and prayed … nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done” (Luke 22:41, 42).

A. In perhaps his most excruciating hour Jesus waited in prayer. He yielded his will to his heavenly Father’s will.

B. We must wait on the Lord, submitting our will to God as Jesus did. God’s will is always best.

C. We should surrender all to God, totally committing our lives to him—physically, mentally, and spiritually.