Three Ways We Wait on God
I have been writing recently about waiting on God, and I want to continue that theme today. Scripture shows us that waiting on God is not passive—it is active, faith-filled, and intentional.
1. Waiting for Answers to Prayer
Sometimes we are waiting on God for answers to our prayers. During those seasons, we remain in faith and continue praying (see Luke 18:1–8). Persistent prayer strengthens our trust while we wait.
2. Waiting on God in Worship
At other times, we wait on God much like a waitress waits on a table. We minister to Him in worship and adoration. As believers, we are called a royal priesthood, and part of our calling is to “wait” on Him in His presence.
It is good for us to wait on God while we are waiting for Him.
3. Waiting on God for Direction
Today, I want to focus on a third aspect: waiting on God for direction and instruction.
“Show Me Your Ways” — A Prayer for Guidance
Psalm 25 gives us a powerful prayer for direction. In verses 4–5, David writes:
“Show me Your ways, O Lord;
Teach me Your paths.
Lead me in Your truth and teach me,
For You are the God of my salvation;
On You I wait all the day.”
David is asking God to clearly reveal what he should do and which direction he should take. Then he declares his posture: “On You I wait all the day.”
This pattern marked David’s life. Before major decisions—especially before going into battle—he would inquire of the Lord (see II Samuel 5:19).
Another powerful glimpse into David’s heart is found in Psalm 27:
“One thing I have desired of the Lord…
…To behold the beauty of the Lord,
And to inquire in His temple.”
David’s greatest pleasure was lingering in God’s presence and asking Him questions. That kind of relationship positioned him for divine direction.
The Posture That Prepares Us to Hear
Psalm 25 gives even deeper insight. In verse 9, David says God teaches the humble. In verse 12, he says God teaches His ways to the one who fears Him.
Humility and reverent awe sharpen our ability to hear from God.
When we come demanding answers, we often struggle to receive clarity. But when we come with surrendered hearts—willing to obey whatever He says—we position ourselves for guidance.
A Powerful Example of Waiting
One of the clearest examples of waiting for direction is found in Jeremiah 42.
The remnant of Israel asked Jeremiah to pray that God would show them:
“The way in which we should walk and the thing we should do.” (Jeremiah 42:3)
That is a simple and powerful prayer:
“Lord, show me which way to go and what to do.”
Jeremiah prayed. Then verse 7 tells us that the word of the Lord came to him after ten days.
Ten days.
Even a prophet did not receive immediate direction. He prayed. He waited. And in God’s timing, the answer came.
When You Need Direction
Are you facing a major decision?
Do you need clarity about your next step?
Pray. Ask specifically for direction. Then wait—not in anxiety, but in faith. Continue worshiping. Continue trusting. Continue obeying what you already know to do.
God has answers for you.
Wait on Him with humility and reverent awe, and He will direct your steps.
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