What Does Waiting on God Really Mean? What Psalm 27:13-14 Reveals About God's Timing!

I will remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord

in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord;

be strong and take heart and

wait for the Lord.

The goodness of God is an attribute of His nature, deeply embedded into every aspect of His relationship with humanity. Scripture shows us to "taste and see that the Lord is good" (Psalm 34:8), highlighting that those who seek refuge in Him are blessed by His unwavering kindness. This goodness is eternal, as Psalm 100:5 reminds us: "For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations." Every good and perfect gift we receive is a reflection of His character, coming "from above, from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows" (James 1:17). God's goodness is also evident in His patience and forbearance, which are "intended to lead [us] to repentance" (Romans 2:4), drawing us closer to Him. Even in times of trouble, "the Lord is good, a refuge... He cares for those who trust in him" (Nahum 1:7).

God’s goodness towards us is profoundly deep and beyond mere definition. It is faithful, loving, and providing—an unfathomable reflection of how passionately He cares for us. His goodness is not just a comforting truth; it reveals how utterly fanatic He is about us, guiding us with unwavering dedication into a more intimate relationship with Him.

Now that we understand a bit about God's goodness, let's dive into what this verse is saying. It seems to address someone who needs to confidently remind themselves that they will witness God's goodness in their lifetime, affirming that their current struggles will improve. Have you ever been in a valley so long that you convinced yourself things would only get better in the afterlife, in Heaven?

Even when we feel trapped in a valley, we can confidently expect to witness His blessings here and now, not just in Heaven.

This verse seems to speak to someone who isn’t currently seeing the goodness of the Lord in their situation. The more I reflect on it, the more I view it as a powerful form of self-talk. I can almost picture this person repeating the verse to themselves, perhaps on the brink of despair, using it as their sole thread of hope. Unlike complaining, which can deepen despair, self-talk like this reaffirms their faith and clings to the belief that, despite their current struggles, they will ultimately experience God’s goodness.

But here’s the key: this person clearly understands that their hope is in God. Despite facing struggles, fears, and challenges, they recognize that their hope is firmly anchored in the Lord. This person is King David. Even though he was a king, he endured significant suffering. Yet, he rose above his trials because he was confident in God’s goodness.

While enduring his suffering, David tells himself to "wait." Waiting means maintaining trust and patience in God's timing and goodness, even when circumstances are challenging. Waiting involves several key aspects: First, it means believing that God has a purpose and a plan, even if it’s not immediately visible. It requires remaining steadfast and patient, trusting that God’s timing is perfect. We should also anticipate that God will act and bring about His goodness in due time. It involves engaging in faith and prayer and fasting, continuously seeking God and His guidance while we await His intervention.

One thing that always helps me settle down during struggles, hardships, anxiousness and tears is recognizing that whatever I’m going through, though not directly from God, has been permitted by Him. I trust that He has allowed these experiences to shape my life, and I must grow from them. I need to find the lessons in the season of endurance and carry them forward into future success.

Even when others come to me for advice during their own struggles, I remind them of the same truth: While their difficulties may not be from God, He has permitted whatever the situation to happen. We must trust in His promise to bring goodness out of every situation in our lives. As Romans 8:28 assures us,

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

And in 2 Corinthians 1:4, it says,

“He comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble, with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”

When you come out of your struggle, it becomes your responsibility to help others with the wisdom you have received. Some people turn away from God during these moments because they can't comprehend why an all-powerful God would allow suffering. However, it is in these times that our faith and trust in God's greater plan are most crucial. As 2 Corinthians 1:4 reminds us, “He comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”

We are called to share the comfort and insight we've gained, helping others understand that even in suffering, God’s goodness and purpose prevail.

This reminds me a lot of parenting. A truly bad parent isn’t just one who abuses their children with all kinds of evil—that's unquestionably horrible. But a bad parent is also someone who doesn't allow their child to endure "safe fear" or "safe danger." What I mean is, you can’t always run around protecting them from every little thing. If you see them doing something slightly risky but age-appropriate, let them struggle through it. Let them figure it out. It helps them grow and builds their confidence to face challenges head-on. Don't always buy their way out of trouble—let them sit in it for a while.

This teaches them resilience and the ability to navigate tough situations, which are crucial skills for life.

God is the same, but He is a far better parent than we will ever be. He isn’t causing the evil, nor is He sending us into disasters. God sees the big picture. Our lives are but a moment in time, fleeting like a breath on this earth. God, who exists beyond time, has a perfect plan for each of us. His plan is flawless, designed with our ultimate good in mind. He is determined (just ask Jesus) to guide us to the finish line of this life, ensuring we end up in the right place. As Isaiah 55:8-9 says, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." God’s perfect plan and wisdom are beyond our comprehension, but we can trust in His unfailing love and guidance.

"Waiting on the Lord" is a powerful theme woven throughout the Bible, and it's supported by so many beautiful scriptures. Here are a few of my favorites:

1 Corinthians 4:5: "Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men’s hearts; and then each man’s praise will come to him from God."

Lamentations 3:24-26: "'The Lord is my portion,' says my soul, 'Therefore I have hope in Him.' The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the person who seeks Him. It is good that he waits silently for the salvation of the Lord."

I could go on and on about this topic, and though I often intend to write briefly, the richness of God's Word draws me into deeper reflection every time. The Bible is full of reasons why God tells us to wait, and it's not a passive command; it's active, intentional, and deeply meaningful.

When King David says "wait" twice in Psalm 27:14 ("Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord"), it's a way of emphasizing the urgency of the message. In biblical terms, repetition is a powerful tool. Jesus often repeated Himself to drive home important points, not out of redundancy, but because He knows we need to hear it again and again. This principle, known as the "law of twice written," signifies strong emphasis. When something is repeated in Scripture, it signals to us that we should pay extra attention and really take the message to heart. Waiting on the Lord is not just a suggestion; it's a command with profound implications for our faith journey.

The opposite of waiting is rushing forward—aggressively seeking ways to get ahead, escape, or expand without considering God’s timing or plan. This often stems from impatience, fear, or a desire for control, and it can lead us to make hasty decisions that might not align with God’s will. When we rush, we rely on our own strength and understanding, rather than trusting in God's guidance. The wisdom in waiting is that it allows us to pause, reflect, and align our actions with God’s greater purpose, ensuring that we move forward in His timing, not our own.

Proverbs 19:2: "Desire without knowledge is not good—how much more will hasty feet miss the way!

Proverbs 21:5: "The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty."

Isaiah 28:16: "So this is what the Sovereign Lord says: 'See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic.'"

As we navigate through life’s challenges, Psalm 27:13-14 offers a powerful reminder: "I will remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."

Waiting well is not a passive endeavor; 
it requires intentionality and faith. 

During our waiting periods, let us actively seek God through prayer, immerse ourselves in His Word, and embrace patience with a heart full of hope. It’s also a time to let go of worry and anxiety, surrendering our burdens to God. Just as you can’t take a toy from a toddler if they insist on holding on to it, God cannot fully take away our concerns if we cling to them. By releasing our anxieties and trusting fully in His care, we allow ourselves to experience His goodness more profoundly. Waiting well is a testament to our faith in His promises, and it prepares us to witness His blessings in His perfect timing.

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, I thank You for guiding us to wait on You and for emphasizing this in Your Word. Thank You for caring about our lives here and now, as well as in Heaven. You are not a God unfamiliar with our suffering. I lift up the person reading this article and ask You to help them wait well, reminding them that they have not been abandoned. Whatever they endure, You are with them. It’s how we endure that truly matters. I pray, Father, that You speak to their heart, grant them patience, and help them wait with a hopeful and expectant attitude. May they trust in Your timing and anticipate the positive change You will bring. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

© 2024 Amanda Allen. All rights reserved.

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