Friday, April 15, 2016

Wait on the Lord


Psalm 37:34 “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.”

It is amazing what gets lost in translation sometimes, and when the full meaning of the word is explained then additional understanding and application for our life and our personal relationship with the Lord comes to light and focus, Such is the case for the above Bible verse. I read that in spite of the occasional successes of the wicked, we are to “wait on the Lord.” The Hebrew word used in this passage for “wait” is unusual. The term quvah describes the “binding together” of strings to make a cord. The same word was used to “collect” the water and dry land into separate areas on the third day of creation. These are “action” words, yet to “wait” sounds like an inaction. It carries the idea of anticipation toward useful results and does not mean to “hang around and wait.” It does not imply useless boredom, waiting for something to happen. The essence of the term is to be alert, watching the events and activities of the Lord and reacting to His timing and direction. Indeed, the word is translated “look” as often as any other term.

The great promise of “eagle’s wings” recorded by Isaiah tells us that the source of our victory comes from the Lord alone: - Isaiah 40:31 “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” That great promise, which is a comfort to so many, is based on the fact that the “Creator of the ends of the earth” is the One making the promise Isaiah 40:28.

As Psalm 37 comes to a close, the summary contains both instructions and blessings: Psalm 37:37-40 “Mark the blameless man, and observe the upright; for the future of that man is peace. But the transgressors shall be destroyed together; the future of the wicked shall be cut off. But the salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; He is their strength in the time of trouble. And the Lord shall help them and deliver them; He shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in Him.” 


Psalm 27:14Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!

 

Psalm 33:20 “Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our help and our shield.”

Psalm 130:5-6 “I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope. I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning.

Wait on the Lord!

In Christ, Brian

2 comments:

Karen said...

This is a very helpful explanation. Thank you.

Brian Ray Todd said...

Thank you Karen for the comment. Gaining knowledge of God's truth is the maturing as disciples of Christ. Understanding the real message is key in our walk with the Lord. Like you, I am constantly seeking helpful explanations for proper and complete understanding of the Word of God. And then communicating that truth to help others. Blessing to you and yours.