“Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.” – Psalm 37:7 (NLT) “I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry.” – Psalm 40:1 (NLT)
Waiting can be one of the most faith-stretching experiences in our walk with God.
Whether we are waiting for an answer to prayer, a breakthrough in circumstances, or relief from suffering, our hearts can grow weary. Psalm 37:7 calls us to “be still” and “wait patiently” on the Lord, trusting that He will act in His perfect timing. Psalm 40:1 reinforces this truth, offering a testimony of God’s faithfulness: “I waited patiently for the Lord… and he heard my cry.”
Psalm 40:1 is a reminder that God is always attentive to the cries of His people. David is sharing his personal testimony of waiting on the Lord and experiencing His deliverance. This is a promise we can, and must, hold onto: God hears us even when the wait feels far too long or His response seems delayed.
Waiting patiently is not about sitting in silence with no hope. It is about trusting that God is listening and that His timing is best. David’s experience reminds us that God not only hears us but also moves in ways that bring about the best results for our lives and His glory.
Waiting Patiently Is Rooted in Faith
“Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act.”
Faith is essential for waiting patiently. It requires us to believe in things we cannot see (Hebrews 11:1) and trust that God is working even when there is no visible evidence of His activity. Faith assures us that God’s plans are good, His timing is perfect, and His ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9).
Waiting on God is not passive; it is an active exercise of trust. We choose to focus on His promises, remind ourselves of His character, and resist the temptation to take matters into our own hands. True patience flows from a heart that knows God is faithful to act at the right time.
Waiting Patiently Leads to Growth
Both Psalm 37:7 and Psalm 40:1 reflect the transformative power of waiting. It is often in the waiting that God often does His deepest work in us. In waiting He teaches us patience, humility, and reliance on Him. As we wait He refines our hearts and aligns our desires with His will.
The story of Joseph — the one with the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat — is a good example of growth during waiting. He spent years in slavery and prison before stepping into God’s promise for him as a leader in Egypt. During that time, God was preparing Joseph, shaping his character, and positioning him for his calling.
Similarly, our waiting is not wasted. God uses it to prepare us for what lies ahead and to draw us closer to Himself.
We witness God’s Faithfulness in the Fulfillment
“I waited patiently for the Lord… and he turned to me and heard my cry.”
The beauty of waiting on God is that it always leads to a testimony of His faithfulness. David declares in Psalm 40:1 that God not only heard his cry but also “turned to” him, demonstrating His intimate care and love.
God’s answers may not always come in the way or timing we expect, but they are always good. When we look back on seasons of waiting, we often see how God’s timing was perfect and His plans far exceeded our expectations.
Psalm 37:7 reminds us not to fret when others seem to prosper or when circumstances appear unfair. Our focus should remain on God, trusting that His justice and blessings will come in due time.
Psalm 37:7 and Psalm 40:1 call us to a life of faith and trust in God’s timing. Waiting patiently is not easy, but it is a spiritual discipline that deepens our relationship with God and strengthens our faith.
When we wait on God, we are not waiting in vain. He hears our cries, acts on our behalf, and works all things together for our good. Let us rest in His presence, trust His promises, and find hope in His faithfulness.
“…Patient endurance attaineth to all things, Whom God possesseth in nothing is wanting.” — St. Teresa of Avilla
Blessings on you and yours, Jim Black
P.S. if you’d like to read previous ruminations of mine they can be found at https://www.salvationarmyconcordca.org/chronicle/?category=Bible%20Study