Waiting on God: Patience and Perseverance in the Christian Life - Psalm 37:7-8 & Romans 12:12
Introduction:
Today, we will delve into the powerful themes of patience and perseverance, essential virtues in our walk with God. Our main texts will be Psalm 37:7-8 and Romans 12:12, which highlight the importance of trusting in God’s timing and being persistent in prayer and hope. Let’s allow these scriptures to transform our understanding and practice of patience and perseverance in our daily lives.
Point 1: Trusting in God's Timing
Psalm 37:7-8 (NLT) - "Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes. Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper—it only leads to harm."
David encourages us to "be still" and "wait patiently" for the Lord. The Hebrew word for "be still" is damam, meaning to be silent or to rest. This implies a calm and trusting heart, not agitated by external circumstances.
Isaiah 40:31 (NLT) - "But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint."
Isaiah speaks to a weary and exiled Israel, encouraging them to hope in the Lord.
Trusting in God renews our strength and keeps us from spiritual exhaustion.
The Hebrew word for "trust" (qavah) also means to wait or hope expectantly.
Trusting in God’s timing involves waiting with expectancy, knowing He will act.
Imagine a farmer who sows seeds and patiently waits for the harvest. He trusts that in due season, the crops will grow. Similarly, we must trust in God's timing for the seeds we sow in our lives.
Warren Wiersbe said, "The ability to calm your soul and wait before God is one of the most difficult things in the Christian life. Our old nature is restless; the world around us is frantically in a hurry. But a restless heart usually leads to a reckless life."
Point 2: Persistent in Prayer
Romans 12:12 (NLT) - "Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying."
Paul exhorts believers to be "patient in trouble" and to "keep on praying." The Greek word for "patient" is hypomeno, which means to remain steadfast under pressure.
Philippians 4:6 (NLT) - "Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done."
Paul encourages the Philippians to replace anxiety with prayer.
Persistent prayer involves continually bringing our needs before God with thanksgiving.
The Greek word for "pray" (proseuchomai) emphasizes a continual, devoted prayer life.
Developing a habit of persistent prayer helps us navigate through troubles with a steadfast heart.
Think of a marathon runner who perseveres through the race, maintaining a steady pace despite fatigue. Similarly, our spiritual journey requires persistent prayer to sustain us through trials.
Charles Spurgeon said, "True prayer is neither a mere mental exercise nor a vocal performance. It is far deeper than that—it is a spiritual transaction with the Creator of heaven and earth."
Point 3: Cultivating Hope and Patience
Romans 12:12
Paul links hope, patience, and prayer, showing that our hope in God fuels our patience and perseverance. The Greek word for "hope" is elpis, which means confident expectation.
James 5:7-8 (NLT) - "Dear brothers and sisters, be patient as you wait for the Lord’s return. Consider the farmers who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen. You, too, must be patient. Take courage, for the coming of the Lord is near."
James encourages believers to patiently await the Lord’s return.
Just as farmers wait for their crops, we must cultivate patience in our spiritual walk.
The Greek word for "patient" (makrothumeo) means to be long-suffering or slow to anger.
Cultivating patience involves trusting God’s promises and maintaining hope even when fulfillment seems delayed.
Consider a sculptor who chisels away at a block of marble, patiently shaping it into a masterpiece. Likewise, God is shaping us, and we must trust the process.
John Piper said, "God is always doing 10,000 things in your life, and you may be aware of three of them."
Conclusion:
In conclusion, understanding and embracing God’s providence transforms our perspective on patience and perseverance. By trusting in God’s timing, remaining persistent in prayer, and cultivating hope and patience, we align ourselves with His divine plan.
Application and Call to Action:
This week, focus on trusting God’s timing in areas of your life where you feel impatient. Commit to persistent prayer, bringing your needs and anxieties before God. Cultivate hope by reflecting on God’s promises and trusting in His faithfulness.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word that teaches us to trust in Your timing, remain steadfast in prayer, and cultivate patience and hope. Help us to live transformed lives, anchored in Your providence. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
As you go forth this week, may you experience the peace and assurance that comes from trusting in God’s providence.
