The Heart of Waiting

When we think of waiting, our minds often picture a passive posture — standing still until something happens. But Scripture paints a richer picture. There is a profound difference between waiting for God and waiting on God.

Waiting for God focuses on the promise. It’s like watching the horizon for the sunrise, longing for the light to break through. This kind of waiting can easily slip into frustration when dawn seems delayed. Our prayers become fixated on when and how God will act.

Waiting on God, however, shifts the focus to the Person. It’s the posture of a servant attentive to the Master’s voice, ready to respond. It’s active, not idle — filled with worship, trust, and obedience. Here, the question changes from “When will You fulfill this?” to “How can I honor You while I wait?”

 

Isaiah 40:31 reminds us:
“Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles.”

Notice: it’s not the promise that renews strength, but the Lord Himself.  So today, if your heart feels weary from waiting, lean into Him. Let your waiting become worship. Seek His presence more than His provision. In His timing, the promise will come — but in the meantime, He offers Himself, and that is the sweetest gift of all.


Prayer

Lord, teach me to wait on You, not just for You. Help me to trust Your timing and Your goodness even when I cannot see the full picture. Renew my strength as I draw near to You. Let my waiting be filled with worship and obedience, and remind me that Your presence is my greatest treasure. Amen.


Reflection Questions

1.   Am I more focused on the promise or on the Promiser?

2.   How can I turn my waiting season into an opportunity for deeper intimacy with God?

3.   What practical steps can I take to serve and worship while I wait?