What do we receive from waiting?
(Psalms 27; 92; 126; 131; Romans 8:18-25; Hebrews 6:9-20) Blog 24-30 Mar. 2024
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth <PresentTruthLRI@gmail.com>
REVIEW: The Psalms are inspired songs expressing the joys, complaints, and desires of God’s people. They exalt God and seek his mercy while reminding God of his promises and past deliverances. Jesus and the apostles found joy and comfort in recounting them and so should we.
The Need for Waiting
1. When the Psalmists mention waiting on God what does that include? In the Psalms “waiting” can include both passing time & serving God like a waiter serves other people at a table (Psa. 18:23-25; 123:2; Prov. 11:35).
2. According to Psalms 33 why should we wait on the Lord. We should wait on the Lord for he is our helper & shield (Psa. 33:20).
3. According to Psalms 59 why should we wait on the Lord. We should wait on the Lord for he is strong (& we are not) (Psa. 59:9).
4. According to Psalms 62 why should we wait on the Lord. We should wait on the Lord for he is our expected source of salvation (Psa. 62:1-8).
5. For what do wild animals wait for God to provide them? The animals wait for God to provide their food (Psa. 104:25-27).
6. According to Psalm 106, what is one thing we should wait for that Israel did not wait for when delivered at the Red Sea? We should wait for God’s counsel, for his leading & direction rather than following our own ideas or the ideas of others (Psa. 106:13).
The Stress of Waiting
7. What are some things the psalmists experienced while waiting for God? While waiting for God the psalmists experienced tears, weariness, & loss of physical strength (Psa. 69:1-3).
8. In Psalm 25 what does David say that believers should not experience while waiting on God? Believers should not be ashamed while waiting for God (Psa. 25:3).
9. In Psalm 37 what does David say that believers should not let bother them while waiting on God? Believers should not let the prosperity & success of the wicked bother them while waiting for God, for in the end the wicked will be destroyed (Psa. 37:7-9).
10. In Psalm 52 what aspect of God inspires David to wait? It is a knowledge of God’s name, his good character of justice & mercy that inspires David to wait on him (Psa. 52:9).
11. In Psalm 130 what gift of God does the psalmist mention in relation to waiting? The psalmist mentions God’s Word as his hope while waiting (Psa. 130:5).
12. What repeated theme connected with waiting is highlighted in Psalm 130? Psalm 130 highlights the forgiveness of sins with the thought of waiting (a very appropriate Psalm on the theme of “waiting on God”) (Psa. 130:1-8).
13. How does Psalm 130 describe the psalmist’s attitude while waiting on God? The psalmist’s attitude is one of anxious, expectant waiting (Psa. 130:6).
14. How did Jesus describe what our actions should be while waiting for the kingdom of God? Jesus said that we should watch with our clothes on & our lamps burning while we wait for our Lord, for when he returns from the wedding he will knock & we should open the door for him (Luke 12:35-37; Rev. 3:19-20).
Results of Waiting
15. How does David describe the results of waiting on the Lord? David says that God will listen to, deliver, & establish those who wait on the Lord (Psa. 40:1-3).
16. In Psalm 27 what does God promise to do for those wait on him? God promises to strengthen the hearts of those who wait on him (Psa. 27:14).
17. What is the context of Psalm 27:14? Throughout Psalm 27 David thanks God for deliverance from his enemies. Then he asks God to deliver him once more, for his enemies have now put forth witnesses against him, intent on cruelty. Then he reminds himself that those that wait on the Lord should be of good courage for God will strengthen their hearts when tempted to be discouraged (Psa. 27:1-14).
18. In Psalm 37 what does God promise to do for those wait on him? God promises those that wait on him that they will inherit the earth (Psa. 37:7-9, 34).
19. According to the book of Luke, for what did old Simeon wait? Simeon waited for the consolation of Israel, God’s Messiah (Luke 2:25-26).
20. According to the book of Mark, for what did Joseph of Arimathaea wait? Joseph of Arimathaea waited for the kingdom of God (Mark 15:43).
21. After his resurrection for what did Jesus tell his disciples to wait? Jesus told his disciples to wait for the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4-5).
22. According to the book of Romans, for what are Christians waiting? We are waiting for the manifestation of the children of God & the redemption of our bodies (this is a great New Testament chapter on “waiting”) (Rom. 8:19-27; 1 Cor. 1:7).
23. What does the book of Galatians say that Christians are waiting for? Christians are waiting for the hope of righteousness by faith which is salvation (Gal. 5:5; 1 Pet. 1:9).
24. What is the blessed hope that Christians wait for? Christians are waiting for the second coming of Jesus in power & great glory (1 Thes. 1:10; 2 Thes. 3:5; Tit. 2:13; Jam. 5:7).
25. What word describes how we should wait and is synonymous with waiting? Christians patiently wait for God to fulfill his promises. This is the perseverance of the saints (Eph. 6:18; Heb. 6:15; Rev. 14:12).