What does the Bible say about
waiting upon God?

Is waiting upon God biblical?

There are some teachings which we will at once say, "This is what we are suppose to do." But the fact is, we have never even looked over the biblical support for what we are doing or even asking others to do! Let us now do that with the phase 'waiting for God." We have one questions.

• What does the Bible say about waiting on God?

 First of all we should recognize that there are many things people wait for in the scriptures.

We see them waiting for some person or for the salvation of God. We will use some of these other usages to help define what it means to actually wait upon God. In this section, however, we are focusing only on those verses that instruct us by example or precept that we ought to wait upon the Lord. Let's look at forty plus times the words 'waiting' upon God is used.

Firstly, we see that the phrase or notion of waiting upon God was new from David's time onward. The Psalms use it about 25 times while Isaiah 11 times. The other prophets scarcely used it. The NT follows that trend by rarely using the phrase 'wait upon.'

The phrase seems to have originated with David. He not only experienced great difficulty in his life but discovered that he could wait upon God for help. This is not to say Abraham didn't wait for a son or Moses for help for his people, but the thought wasn't so fully developed. Besides this, a depth of spiritual life could be expressed in the Psalms. They enable us to look at a person's inner life. The historical biblical books just didn't describe this inner life experience. They looked at outward events rather than inward thoughts. The prophets at times did focus on the turmoil of the person, especially Isaiah and so we see this phrase scattered through these books.

The NT only uses the phrase referring to the second coming of Jesus. However, the phrase 'believe in' is very common, such as 'believe in the Lord.' But the meaning and emphasis of 'believe in' is quite different than 'waiting upon.' Believe and trust emphasize the confidence and faith in an object. 'Waiting for' definitely exudes this sense of confidence, but it is more than this. 'Waiting for' focuses on the sense of expectation one has on the object. When one 'waits on the Lord,' a person is dependent upon that person or something that the person will do.

4 Doors of Change

And keys to unlock them.
by Sam Williams

When you propose a new program or shut down an outdated ministry, you're asking people to change on four different levels: mind, heart, lifestyle, and culture. Each level of change requires a different kind of response:

1. The key to a change of mind is information. Facts that support the reasons for change need to be gathered and shared. They are more persuasive than opinions. Facts alone, though, don't bring about change. In fact, they can precipitate conflict because everyone will not agree on what needs to be done or be ready to do it.

Colossians 3:1-3, Rom. 10:17, Romans 12:2, Ephesians 4:22-23

2. The key to a change of attitude is relationship. When conflict begins, the natural tendency is to react against it and gather counter-information. The problem at this level, however, is more emotional than intellectual. The leader's role is to intensify relationships, not conflict, with the people who are struggling. This is difficult because the emotional reaction is often directed personally at the leader. Stay close. Express understanding. Help people through the fear, loss, and grief that inevitably accompany change.

Matt. 11:26, Psalm 119:14-16,

3. The key to a change of lifestyle is experiences. Leaders need to give followers the opportunity to have the same kind of experiences they have had, that have helped bring about their own change. Experiences can be the reading of books, visiting other churches that have successfully made changes, and especially having the opportunity to visit with others like themselves who have been involved in a change process. And, finally, to explore and experiment with small changes that have a high likelihood of success, in order to build good experiences and become comfortable with the desired change.

2 Thessalonians 3:6-13, Matt. 6:19-21, I Tim. 6:1-2, 3-5, 6-10, Luke 6:38, Proverbs 28:27,

4. The key to a change of culture is commitment. Note that commitment is the cumulative result of good information, intensified relationships, and explorative experiences. A leader's common mistake is to push too quickly for commitment, and to believe they have it when they have simply won a vote or approval of a new plan. Culture is "the way things are done around here." Cultures change slowly, with much difficulty, as the individuals who make up the culture change their minds, attitudes, and lifestyles.

KIDS IN CHURCH 

3-year-old Reese: 

"Our Father, Who does art in heaven, 

Harold is His name. 

Amen." 

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A little boy was overheard praying: 

"Lord, if you can't make me a better boy, don't worry about it.

I'm having a real good time like I am." 

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After the christening of his baby brother in church,

Jason sobbed all the way home in the back seat of the car.

His father asked him three times what was wrong. 

Finally, the boy replied, 

"That preacher said he wanted us brought up in a Christian home,

and I wanted to stay with you guys." 

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One particular four-year-old prayed, 

"And forgive us our trash baskets 

as we forgive those who put trash in our baskets."

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A Sunday school teacher asked her children as they

were on the way to church service, 

"And why is it necessary to be quiet in church?"

One bright little girl replied, 

"Because people are sleeping."