What does it mean to wait on the Lord (Psalm 27:14)?

To “wait on the Lord” in Psalm 27:14 means to trust in God, rest in His timing, and rely on His strength, even in the face of uncertainty or adversity. It involves active faith, patience, and hope in His promises, believing that He will fulfill His purposes at the right time.

Psalm 27:14

  • “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” (NIV)
    This verse encourages believers to remain steadfast, courageous, and trusting while expecting God to act according to His perfect plan.

What It Means to Wait on the Lord

  1. Trust in God’s Timing
    Waiting on the Lord means believing that God’s timing is perfect, even when it feels delayed.
    • Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NIV):
      “He has made everything beautiful in its time.”
  2. Seek God’s Guidance
    Waiting involves prayer and seeking God’s will while refraining from acting impulsively.
    • Psalm 37:7 (NIV):
      “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.”
  3. Rest in God’s Strength
    Instead of relying on one’s own strength, waiting on the Lord means drawing strength from Him during difficult times.
    • Isaiah 40:31 (NIV):
      “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
  4. Have Patience and Perseverance
    Waiting often requires endurance and resisting the temptation to rush ahead of God’s plan.
    • Romans 12:12 (NIV):
      “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”
  5. Expect God’s Faithfulness
    Waiting on the Lord means expecting Him to act according to His character and promises.
    • Lamentations 3:25-26 (NIV):
      “The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.”

Examples of Waiting on the Lord in the Bible

  1. Abraham and Sarah
    • Abraham and Sarah waited for decades for God’s promise of a son, Isaac, to be fulfilled. Their story illustrates faith and patience, even amid doubts.
    • Genesis 21:1-2 (NIV):
      “Now the Lord was gracious to Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did for Sarah what he had promised. Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him.”
  2. David
    • David, who wrote Psalm 27, often had to wait on the Lord during his life, particularly when waiting to become king after being anointed. Despite being pursued by Saul, he trusted in God’s protection and timing.
    • Psalm 40:1 (NIV):
      “I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry.”
  3. The Disciples Waiting for the Holy Spirit
    • After Jesus ascended to heaven, the disciples waited in obedience for the promised Holy Spirit. Their waiting was rewarded at Pentecost with the outpouring of power and guidance.
    • Acts 1:4 (NIV):
      “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about.”

Practical Steps to Wait on the Lord

  1. Pray with Expectation
    • Bring your concerns to God and trust that He hears you.
    • Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV):
      “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
  2. Meditate on Scripture
    • Focus on God’s promises to strengthen your faith while waiting.
    • Psalm 119:105 (NIV):
      “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
  3. Stay Active in Faith
    • Waiting is not passive; continue to serve God, do good, and trust Him as you wait.
    • Galatians 6:9 (NIV):
      “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
  4. Remain Confident in God
    • Remind yourself of God’s past faithfulness to trust Him for the future.
    • Psalm 27:13 (NIV):
      “I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.”

Blessings of Waiting on the Lord

  1. Renewed Strength
    • Isaiah 40:31 (NIV):
      “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
  2. Peace and Rest
    • Psalm 62:5 (NIV):
      “Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.”
  3. God’s Deliverance
    • Psalm 37:34 (NIV):
      “Hope in the Lord and keep his way. He will exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are destroyed, you will see it.”
  4. Deepened Relationship with God
    • Waiting fosters dependence on God, strengthening faith and trust in His plan.
    • James 1:3-4 (NIV):
      “Because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

Conclusion

To “wait on the Lord” means to actively trust in His timing, rely on His strength, and live in faithful obedience while expecting Him to act according to His promises. It is an expression of deep faith, patience, and confidence in God’s sovereignty. Waiting on the Lord refines our character, strengthens our faith, and positions us to experience His blessings in His perfect time.

  • Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV):
    “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”