Wait on the Lord (Both the positives and negatives)

When we think of waiting, we might envision just sitting back, not doing much of anything, just waiting for something to happen. But that is not the kind of waiting the Bible is calling for. Perhaps one of the most difficult aspects of waiting is learning to hold the negatives and the positives in proper balance.

Waiting involves a passivity and an activity—negatives and positives—things we should do and things we should not do. These negatives and positives in relation to waiting are closely wound together like the strands in a rope. When wound together properly, they give great strength, courage, patience, and endurance.

As to activity, waiting involves three things:

(1) Things we do—doing the right things.

(2) Things we are not to do—refraining from the wrong things.

(3) Things that happen to us, in us, and for us in the process of biblical waiting.

These three elements are intertwined and can be difficult to sort out as we go through the process of waiting on the Lord, but basically, they involve careful obedience by faith in several biblical injunctions that are associated with the concept of waiting in Scripture.

Note the positives and negatives in this passage which are woven together as part of the waiting process as one trusts confidently in the Lord.

(Psalm 37:7-9) Rest in the LORD and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who carries out wicked schemes. 8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; Do not fret, it leads only to evildoing. 9 For evildoers will be cut off, But those who wait for the LORD, they will inherit the land.

(Psalm 37:1-6) A Psalm of David. Do not fret because of evildoers, Be not envious toward wrongdoers. 2 For they will wither quickly like the grass, And fade like the green herb. 3 Trust in the LORD, and do good; Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness. 4 Delight yourself in the LORD; And He will give you the desires of your heart. 5 Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, and He will do it. 6 And He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, And your judgment as the noonday.