What Does it Mean to Wait?
There is a difference between procrastination and waiting on the Lord. The former lacks patience, and may include impulsiveness due to impatience, which we will address in greater detail. Believe it or not, procrastination can be a very busy endeavor. As you may know, people will get busy doing things in order to avoid doing what is important. Busy looks industrious, and therefore, appears legitimate. Appearances are deceiving. It’s one thing to do a good thing; it’s quite another to do the right thing.
Psalms 25:4-5 Shew me Thy ways, O LORD; teach me Thy paths. Lead me in Thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on Thee do I wait all the day.
The word, wait, is QAVAH (Strong’s Concordance number: 6960), which is a primary root that means to bind together (perhaps by twisting). Figuratively, to expect. It can be rendered as “gather” (together), “look,” “patiently,” “tarry,” “wait” (for, on, upon).
It is from twist, or bind, the idea of a rope may be implied. In turn, it carries the idea to be strong, or robust. This is because of the notion of binding, or tying fast is applied to strength. In addition, it means to expect, or to wait with endurance. When waiting on the Lord, we fix our hope in Him, while looking patiently for Him. We have strength, and patience to wait, because we are bound together with Him.
Waiting on the Lord requires trust. Part of it includes anticipating His next move, or direction, which requires diligence. We are prepared to respond, so when He says go, we go. But until then, we wait. That does not mean we sit idly by in an unfocused state of being. Until further directions come, we continue to do those things we know to do. Waiting on Him is not a lazy endeavor!
To wait is to commune with Him, which includes ministering to Him through praise and thanksgiving. It involves staying open and submissive, which allows Him to prepare our hearts for His next move. Meditate on Him, and His wonderful works. Remembering what He has done reminds us of His goodness, and helps us stay grounded in hope, which points to a sure future. He does what He says, and history reminds us of this truth.
1 Chronicles 16:7-12 Then on that day David delivered first this psalm to thank the LORD into the hand of Asaph and his brethren. Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon His name, make known His deeds among the people. Sing unto Him, sing psalms unto Him, talk ye of all his wondrous works. Glory ye in His holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD. Seek the LORD and His strength, seek His face continually. Remember His marvelous works that He hath done, His wonders, and the judgments of His mouth.
The Impulsiveness of Procrastination
In the time of waiting, it is important to be taught in His ways, while learning to live in a manner well pleasing to Him. Waiting means preparation; not taking action. This is where impulsiveness due to impatience comes into play, especially for those who find it difficult to sit still. Face it, when there’s a sense of direction, there tends to be a desire to get busy. However, a sense of direction does not necessarily mean one has the full counsel of God. There’s more to come. Jumping ahead can cause some serious problems.
For example, prior to revealing our next move, He places things in order. There are numerous moving parts, and one of them is preparing us ahead of time. Why? We’re not ready. While God moves us to do things beyond our abilities, He does prepare us for them. He teaches us to be reliant on Him, instead of ourselves. If we are self-willed, we are not submissive. Sometimes, we may not realize we’re being self-willed; thus, He will bring exposure, so we can see it for ourselves. Usually, that leads to repentance.
One of the qualifications of a bishop illustrates this point: “Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil” (1 Timothy 3:6). Pride poses a big problem, and if someone is not mature, it may very well cause his downfall. That is not to say, there can be no redemption, nor restoration. In fact, sometimes the Lord will allow someone to fall flat on his face, so he will humble himself. Being humble is part of being ready.
The greatest Example of what it means to wait on the Lord, is Jesus. His focus was so laser sharp, that no one could influence Him to deviate from the Father’s plan.
John 8:28-29 So Jesus said, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and I do nothing on My own initiative, but I speak these things as the Father taught Me. And He who sent Me is with Me; He has not left Me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to Him.
