Waiting on the LORD: Under What Circumstances? (Part 1)

    Last week we began a new study of what it means to wait on the LORD. We learned that the Hebrew word behind the ‘wait’ in forty-nine passages in the Old Testament means to be gathered and twisted together and also to look for with confidence. Simply put: Waiting for the LORD means that we bind ourselves to Him in earnest anticipation.

    This week I would like to begin to understand the circumstances surrounding those who have instructed and exhorted us to wait on the LORD. We will begin with the book of Psalms.

A Declared Determination While Going Through Afflictions

Psalm 25 (vv3, 5, 21)

• Circumstances: The writer of this psalm, David, is surrounded by many enemies, who hate him with cruel hatred. He is desolate, afflicted, in pain, and distressed; the troubles of his heart have enlarged.
• Declarations: “Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; on You I wait all the day.” (Psalm 25:5) and “My eyes are ever toward the LORD, for He shall pluck my feet out of the net.” (Psalm 25:15)

Psalm 27 (v14)

• Circumstances: False witnesses have risen against David who breathe out violence.
• Declarations: “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?...Though and army may encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war may rise against me, in this I will be confident.” (Psalm 27:1, 3) and “Wait in the LORD; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the LORD!” (Psalm 27:21)

Psalm 52 (vv8-9)

• Circumstances: We are told specifically that this psalm was written when David fled from the presence of King Saul to Ahimelech the priest, and Doeg the Edomite betrayed him to King Saul. Later, Doeg, at King Saul’s command, killed Ahimelech, the priest, and eighty-four other priests who helped David (1 Samuel 22).
• Declarations: “Why do you boast in evil, O mighty man? The goodness of God endures continually.”  (Psalm 52:1) and “…I am like a green olive tree in the house of God; I trust in the mercy of God forever and ever, because You have done it; and in the presence of Your saints I will wait on Your name, for it is good.” (Psalm 52:8-9)

Psalm 69 (v6)

• Circumstances: David’s own family turn on him for clinging to God and for being zealous for God’s house. He states that the waters have come up to his neck and he is sinking in deep mire; he has come into deep waters where the floods overflow him. He is weary with his crying, his throat is dry, his eyes fail, he is heartbroken, full of heaviness, poor, and sorrowful. David begs God not to let any who wait on Him be ashamed because of him as he endures this ongoing reproach.
• Declarations: “But as for me, my prayer is to You, O LORD, in the acceptable time; O God, in the multitude of Your mercy, hear me in the truth of Your salvation. Deliver me out of the mire, and let me not sink; let me be delivered from those who hate me, and out of the deep waters.” (Psalm 69:13-14) and “…I am poor and sorrowful; let Your salvation, O God, set me up on high. I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify Him with thanksgiving.” (Psalm 69:29-30)  

Psalm 130 (vv5-6)

• Circumstances: The writer of this psalm is crying out to the LORD from out of the depths.
• Declarations: “I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in His word I do hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than those who watch for the morning – yes, more than those who watch for the morning.” (Psalm 130:5-6)

Proclaimed as Advice

Psalm 37 (vv7, 9, 34)

• Advice: “Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him; do not fret because of him who prospers in the way, because of him who brings wicked schemes to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; do not fret – it only causes harm. For evildoers shall be cut off; but those who wait on the LORD, they shall inherit the earth… Wait on the LORD, and keep His way, and He shall exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are cut off, you shall see it.” (Psalm 37:7-9, 34)

Psalm 62 (vv1, 5)

• Advice: Because David clung to God in confident expectation, he advised others to do the same: “Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your heart before Him; for God is a refuge for us.” (Psalm 62:8)

Psalm 130 (vv5-6)

Note: This psalm appears again because I felt that it was also advice to those who would read it.

• Advice: “O Israel, hope in the LORD; for with the LORD this is mercy, and with Him is abundant redemption.” (Psalm 130:7)

Proclaimed in Prayer

Psalm 39 (v7)

• Proclamation: “And now, Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in You. Deliver me from all my transgressions…” (Psalm 39:7-8)

Proclaimed in Praise

Psalm 40 (v1)

• Proclamation: “I waited patiently for the LORD, and He inclined to me, and heard my cry. He also brought me out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set me feet upon a rock, and established my steps. He has put a new song in my mouth – praise to our God; many will see it and fear, and will trust in the LORD… Let all those who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; let such as love Your salvation say continually, “The LORD be magnified!” (Psalm 40:1-3, 16)

    Have you ever found yourself in troubling circumstances? Maybe painful ordeals that occupy your thoughts for hours, if not days; troubles that rob you of sleep and comfort? Cling to God – bind yourself tightly to Him, and trust in His ability to help you (Hebrews 4:16), to comfort you (2 Corinthians 1:3-4), to strengthen you (1 Peter 5:10), to grant you wisdom (James 1:5), and to guard your heart and mind with His peace through Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7). Seek Him in prayer and tell God that you trust His ability, His power, and His wisdom – make your petitions and your faith known to Him.

    After earnestly anticipating God’s help in a situation, did you receive it? Did you take Him at His word, trust in His promises and find them to be true?  Continue to cling to God – bind yourself tightly to Him, and continue to trust in His lovingkindness and faithfulness – praise Him for these in song (Psalm 92:1-2)! Tell others about His mercy and His trustworthiness – letting others know of your unwavering trust in Him may encourage them to “taste and see that the LORD is good” (Psalm 34:8)!

    In times of trouble or in times of rejoicing, cling to God – bind yourself to Him – and earnestly anticipate His ability to hear you and help you! Determine that you will wait on the LORD in every circumstance – today, and in all your tomorrows!

You can do it! So can I!!