Waiting Versus Waiting On Him - Wrestling with Waiting

“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31, KJV)

I remember the year my life was seriously paused. My husband was unemployed for nine months, forcing us to participate in the universally unpopular activity of waiting (emphasis on forced and unpopular).

Waiting is a lot of work. Though it may imply idleness and watching the clock, that clock-ticking often evokes fear and frustration. It is a relentless battle to keep those emotions at bay. Waiting is also the grueling task of not letting negativity predict your future. It’s looking at the face of uncertainty and assuring your heart that God is in it, you are not forgotten, and He has a way out. Though physically stuck in time, you are simultaneously running a mental marathon in order to not let your circumstances defeat you.

Simply put, waiting is exhausting.

If you find yourself in this place today, can I encourage you with one thought?

As you wait, wait on Him.

It’s a subtle, but important mental shift. Waiting naturally focuses our attention inwardly. When life lingers, the desired end goal is usually crystal clear. You know what you want, but you can’t guarantee it will happen.

That circumstance might not change. That relationship might not turn around. That healing might not occur.

Here is a lesson I learned the hard way: Disappointment is always on the table if you are waiting for anything less than God Himself. Why? Because unlike the uncertainty of your situation, the Lord can both make and fulfill His promises. Isaiah 40:31 tells us when we wait on God, He will renew our strength. But that’s not all He does!

Waiting on Him will also:

• Make your paths straight (Proverbs 3:5-6)
• Help you (Psalm 28:7)
• Shelter you (Psalm 90:1)
• Surround you with His love (Psalm 32:10)

And the list goes on…

So, how do we practically wait on God? I believe it’s a daily list of declarations that we keep reciting until our hearts confidently embrace them.

1. You have not forgotten me.
2. You know my needs/desires.
3. I trust You and surrender my future to You.

Each of these declarations inch us closer to God’s heart. Whether acknowledging His omniscience or surrendering our desires, we are taking steps toward Him. And as we draw near, we are more aware of His personal touch in our lives. We witness His peace, power, and faithfulness in tangible ways.

At the start of our unemployment, if you had asked me what I was waiting for, I would have rattled off a very specific list (read: demands) for God to fulfill. As I learned to wait on Him, though, the tight-fisted grip I had on my list began to loosen. And you know what?

He didn’t disappoint.

He renewed my strength. Made my paths straight. Helped me. Sheltered me. And surrounded me with His love.

There’s a difference between waiting on circumstances and waiting on Him. One involves uncertainty, anxiety, and the potential for disappointment. The other involves assurance, peace, and the guarantee of His presence.

And experiencing more of Him is always worth the wait.

Be Intentional

Set a timer for one minute. Slowly recite the three declarations stated above, allowing each truth to sink in. Consider putting this list in a prominent place you can read often!