But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law. – Galatians 5:22-23
Waiting on God
As we walk in our faith, we often find ourselves in times of waiting, also known as tarrying. Waiting on God can be one of the hardest things we face, yet it is an essential part of our walk with Him. During these periods, we learn patience and develop our trust in His timing. We can take comfort knowing that He has a plan for our lives and that sometimes we must pause to let His divine purpose unfold. Tarrying is not simply a passive experience; it can be an active time of prayer, reflection, and seeking God’s presence. This process helps us grow spiritually and prepares us for what He has in store for us.
Psalm 27:14
Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. – Psalm 27:14
Isaiah 40:31
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. – Isaiah 40:31
Lamentations 3:25-26
The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. – Lamentations 3:25-26
Hebrews 10:36
You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. – Hebrews 10:36
Micah 7:7
But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me. – Micah 7:7
Prayer in Times of Tarrying
During our time of tarrying, prayer becomes the lifeline that connects us to God. When we feel stuck in waiting, prayer allows us to communicate our hopes, fears, and desires. It is through prayer that we can seek guidance and strength to remain steadfast in our faith. God calls us to approach Him boldly, sharing everything on our hearts. As we pray, we should remain open to receive His peace and direction. Tarrying should not lead us away from God, but rather, it should drive us deeper into relationship with Him through prayer.
Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7
James 5:16
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. – James 5:16
1 Thessalonians 5:17
Pray continually. – 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Romans 12:12
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. – Romans 12:12
Ephesians 6:18
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. – Ephesians 6:18
Tarrying through Trials
Life is filled with trials, and during these difficult times, we often find ourselves needing to tarry. It can be hard to remain hopeful and patient as we face challenges, but God reminds us to lean on Him during these seasons. While waiting may seem burdensome, we are encouraged to see trials as opportunities for growth and strength. As we learn to trust God during our tarrying, we become stronger in our faith, knowing that He will carry us through any storm that we encounter.
James 1:2-4
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. – James 1:2-4
Romans 8:28
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. – Romans 8:28
1 Peter 5:10
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. – 1 Peter 5:10
2 Corinthians 4:16-17
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. – 2 Corinthians 4:16-17
Psalm 34:19
The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all. – Psalm 34:19
The Promise of God’s Presence
Tarrying does not mean we are left alone. In fact, during our waiting periods, we can rest assured that God is with us, offering comfort and assurance. Knowing that He is by our side gives us the strength we need to remain hopeful and patient. God promises to never leave us nor forsake us, and we can draw great comfort from that reality. As we lean into His presence, we will find peace in the midst of our waiting.
Matthew 28:20
And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. – Matthew 28:20
Psalm 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. – Psalm 46:1
Isaiah 43:2
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. – Isaiah 43:2
John 14:18
I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. – John 14:18
Romans 8:38-39
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. – Romans 8:38-39
The Joy of Expectation
As we tarry, it can be encouraging to shift our focus from the waiting itself to the joy of what is yet to come. The Bible assures us that God has good plans for us, and the anticipation of His promises can ignite hope in our hearts. While we wait, we can embrace the joy that comes from knowing that God is working on our behalf, preparing us for the blessings ahead. This joyful expectation can transform our waiting into a period of eager anticipation.
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. – Jeremiah 29:11
Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. – Romans 15:13
Psalm 130:5
I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope. – Psalm 130:5
Proverbs 10:28
The prospect of the righteous is joy, but the hopes of the wicked come to nothing. – Proverbs 10:28
Philippians 1:6
Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. – Philippians 1:6
Fellowship in Tarrying
We are not called to face our periods of tarrying alone. In fact, we are meant to support one another in our faith journeys. Gathering in fellowship with other believers can provide encouragement, accountability, and strength during our waiting times. Together, we can pray for each other, share our experiences, and remind one another of God’s faithfulness. In unity, we find greater strength and hope as we pursue God’s promises. Tarrying together can be a powerful testament to our faith.
Hebrews 10:24-25
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. – Hebrews 10:24-25
Galatians 6:2
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ. – Galatians 6:2
Acts 2:42
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. – Acts 2:42
1 John 1:7
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. – 1 John 1:7
Proverbs 27:17
As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. – Proverbs 27:17
Final Thoughts
Tarrying is a vital aspect of our faith. It brings us to a place of patience, reliance, and deeper connection with God. As we have explored, waiting on the Lord teaches us profound lessons. Through prayer and trials, we can discover God’s promise and presence in our lives.
When we face the challenge of waiting, we must remember the joy of expectation that God’s plans are unfolding. As we find strength in His presence and in each other, we not only grow individually but collectively as a community of faith.
Let us be encouraged to embrace our periods of tarrying, knowing they are steps toward a glorious future promised by God. If you’re interested in exploring more uplifting topics, feel free to visit Bible Repository or discover more about forgiveness and grace.