The Lodestar

The Hebrew root used for the verb “wait” means to look for something with eager expectation. It also denotes the tension on a rope when it is stretched. Thus, it signifies great endurance as we eagerly await something to happen.

It is to sustain hope while waiting for God to act to save his people as Jacob prayed: “I wait for your salvation, O LORD” (Gen 49:18). Waiting is not just a function of the brain; it involves the very essence of a person’s being, in biblical terms, “the soul.” “I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I hope” (Psa 130:5).

Waiting in eager expectation is not easy; the psalmist stays. It requires strength and courage. However, waiting for God to act is an exercise of renewing their spiritual stamina, as the prophet Isaiah affirmed: “But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint” (Isa 40:31).

God has appointed a time for what he has planned for our life. If he has promised it, he will fulfil it in his own time, in his way. While waiting for God’s time and way, the Christ-follower remains steadfast in integrity and uprightness, trusting in God’s grace and power. All that we require is courage and strength coupled with patience.

If you are in a season of waiting, do not lose heart. Let your hope be anchored in God’s unchanging promises. Take a moment today to pray Psalm 130:5 — “I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His word I hope.” Trust that in His time, He makes all things beautiful. Hold on with courage, and let His word renew your strength.

Diane Ball penned this hope in the famous song “In His Time.” This song expresses believers' trust and patience in God’s plan and timing for their lives. “In His time, in His time/ He makes all things beautiful in His time/ Lord, please show me every day/ As You’re teaching me Your way/ That You do just what You say/ In Your time.”

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