# What does the Bible say about waiting?

> What the Bible says about waiting on God — verses on taking courage, being still, and strength renewed while you wait, plus one practical next step to take.

Source: https://www.lumin.faith/what-the-bible-says-about/waiting
By Andrew Kittridge, Founder of Lumin · August 29, 2026

Waiting in the Bible is one of the hardest forms of trust. It is not empty time. The psalms tell people to wait for the Lord, be still, and let the heart take courage while the preferred timeline has not arrived. Delay is not automatically God’s absence.

## Waiting in the Bible

- **Psalm 27:14** — Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord.
- **Isaiah 40:31** — Those who wait on the Lord renew their strength.
- **Psalm 37:7** — Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret over the one who prospers.
- **Lamentations 3:25-26** — The Lord is good to those who wait for him; it is good to wait quietly for his salvation.

## Highlighted verse

> Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.
>
> — Psalm 27:14 (King James Version)

## Reflection

Biblical waiting is active: you still pray, still do the next faithful thing, and you refuse the panic that seizes control. The farmer waits for rain without ripping up the field. If the delay is crushing, say so to God. The command to wait is not a command to pretend you are fine.

## One next step

Name the one outcome you are trying to hurry. Pray Psalm 27:14 over it, then do the next small faithful action that does not force the result.

## FAQ

### What is a key Bible verse about waiting on God?

Psalm 27:14: wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage. Isaiah 40:31 ties waiting to renewed strength. Psalm 37:7 says be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him.

### How should Christians wait?

Stay faithful in the ordinary: pray, do the next right thing, and refuse the panic that seizes control. Waiting in Scripture is active trust, not empty time.

### Does waiting mean God is absent?

Not according to the psalms. Delay is one of the hardest tests of trust, and Scripture still calls it a place where God strengthens the heart. The absence of your preferred timeline is not proof of his absence.

## Related questions

- [What does the Bible say about patience?](https://www.lumin.faith/what-the-bible-says-about/patience.md)
- [What does the Bible say about hope?](https://www.lumin.faith/what-the-bible-says-about/hope.md)
- [What does the Bible say about strength?](https://www.lumin.faith/what-the-bible-says-about/strength.md)

## Related guides

- [A 7-day way to keep one thing from Sunday](https://www.lumin.faith/how-to-remember-a-sermon.md)


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answers with one next step. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/lumin-bible-ai-companion/id6754889412