New Study: Waiting on the LORD

New Study: Waiting on the LORD

Wait.

It does not mean to mindlessly pass the time, nor does it mean to fretfully pace in uncertainty.

If the Lord wills, the ‘wait’ we will be studying comes from the Hebrew word ‘qavah’ (pronounced kah-VAH, Strong’s Hebrew #6960). It is used 49 times in the Old Testament, and it is echoed in the New Testament as well. What does it mean to wait on the LORD?

Qavah means to wait, to look for, to hope, to expect with eager expectation.

It is first found in Genesis – but not in a way you would expect: “Then God said, “Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear”; and it was so.” (Genesis 1:9 NKJV)

You may be asking yourself, ‘Where is the waiting in that verse?’ Well, let me show you where qavah is in Genesis 1:9 “Then God said, “Let the waters under the heavens qavah into one place…” Qavah’s core meaning is to be gathered together, to be twisted together (like a cord or rope), bound together. God commanded the waters to be gathered together into one place, and He wants us to be gathered to Him, bound to Him in faith and trust (Ecclesiastes 4:12, Romans 12:9); it is only when we cling to Him in this way that we can properly wait on the LORD each and every day.

I would like you to consider a picture that is formed from 2 Peter 1:5-8; I think it should help you better understand the Hebrew ‘qavah’. First, take time to read the passage.

Now think of it this way:

God the Father looks down in love and has thrown us a rope (Jesus). That rope is anchored firmly in Him and His abiding love (Jeremiah 31:3, 1 John 4:8-10). We take hold of the rope, and in faith we cling to it and we don’t let go. We anchor our faith in the Truth, and our faith (our hold/grasp) grows stronger as we learn and obey; it grows as we add virtue (moral excellence), knowledge, self-control, perseverance (patient endurance), godliness (understanding who God is and who we are before Him), brotherly kindness to our daily walk, and as we learn to love as God loves (1 John 4:11).  We are tethered to God, and as we continue to obey His instruction, we diligently strengthen the bond between us and Him, building a lasting relationship with Him. We wait on Him, wholly trusting that we will see Him one day and remain with Him for eternity (1 John 3:1-3).

God has done His part; it is up to use to do ours. It is worth our every effort.  Are you ready to intertwine your life with God? To take hold of the rope He lovingly proffers and not let go? Are you ready to tighten your grip in trust and increased obedience? Are you ready to wait on the LORD?

You can do it! So can I!!