When to Stop and Wait Upon God

We all face the challenge of having more things on our “to do” list than time to do them. The demands of family, church, work and friends tug like toddlers on our sleeves, begging for attention. We’re often tempted to jump in with both feet and try to do as much as we can as fast as we can.

Yet there are times when that isn’t the best course of action. There are times when we need to stop what we’re doing and wait upon God. You may be thinking, “Why in the world would you do that if you have so much to do?” Here are five reasons for when it is best to stop and wait upon God.

5 Reasons to Stop and Wait upon God

1. When we need wisdom about what to do next. James 1:3-5 It may be you are entering a new season of life. Or you may be facing difficult circumstances. When that happens we need to ask Him for wisdom and wait upon God to answer us. He promises wisdom, but only if we ask and listen.
2. When we’re exhausted. Isaiah 40:30-31 In the Old Testament God implemented the Sabbath that enabled those who kept it to be regularly renewed physically and spiritually. When you are worn out, you will only be restored emotionally, spiritually, and physically when you wait upon God.
3. When we need God’s help. Psalm 25:1-3 There are times when we face impossible situations. The only solution is for God to intervene. It may be health-related, financial, relational, or being treated unjustly by another. When it is outside your control, the best thing to do is wait and pray. You will never be disappointed for doing this. Romans 5:5.
4. When our minds are filled with doubt. Romans 14:22-23 God wants us to trust Him and to take action with confidence in the face of uncertainty. If you’re in the process of making a decision and are wavering, unsure of what you believe God wants you to do, stop. Pray and meditate upon God’s word for direction. He will give it and you will know it when your doubt has been replaced with confidence.
5. When God promises you something Hebrews 6:15. The promises of God are wonderful but often are slow, from our perspective, in being fulfilled. Don’t make the mistake of taking matters into your own hands and acting before God fulfills His promise. Abraham taking Hagar as his second wife is a perfect example of this kind of mistake Genesis 16:1-6. If you are certain God has promised you something, you are blessed! Wait upon God and in His perfect time you will experience the fullness of this blessing.

There is a Yiddish proverb that says, “The Lord will provide. Now if only the Lord provides until the Lord provides!” All of us who have waited upon the Lord know exactly what that means.

[inlinetweet prefix=”” tweeter=”” suffix=”@wardcushman”]There is great satisfaction in seeing the Lord work after waiting upon Him.[/inlinetweet]

Tomorrow we’re going to consider the flip side of this coin, when it’s time for us to act.  What has the Lord taught you about waiting upon him? Please leave a question or comment below.