Waiting is hard. In our fast-paced world, where everything seems to be instant—from food delivery to digital communication—the idea of waiting has become something we often try to avoid. But if we’re honest, the struggle to wait is not new. We see the challenge of waiting throughout Scripture, and we know that patience has always been a part of the human condition.

Many of us have heard the phrase, “Good things come to those who wait.” It’s commonly used in our culture to suggest that patience often leads to positive outcomes. But does this phrase actually come from the Bible? While we won’t find these exact words in the pages of Scripture, the message certainly aligns with biblical truths. The Bible consistently encourages us to embrace patience, to trust in God’s timing, and to believe that His plans are far greater than our own.

Waiting, from a biblical perspective, isn’t passive. It involves faith, trust, and often, a deep reliance on God. In this post, I’ll explore what it means to wait on the Lord, the spiritual value in this waiting, and the many rewards that come to those who trust in God’s perfect timing.

Is “Good Things Come to Those Who Wait” in the Bible?

The phrase “Good things come to those who wait” is widely recognized, but many wonder if it’s actually a Bible verse. The answer is no—the exact wording doesn’t appear in Scripture. However, the sentiment behind the phrase is deeply rooted in biblical teaching. Throughout the Bible, we are reminded of the value of waiting, patience, and trusting in God’s timing. Scripture is full of verses that speak directly to this principle.

One of the most well-known verses on waiting is found in Isaiah 40:31:

“But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”

This verse encourages us to wait on the Lord, promising that those who do so will experience renewal and strength. It’s a reminder that God actively works in our waiting, and the rewards are significant—both spiritually and practically.

Another verse that closely echoes the idea of “good things” coming to those who wait is found in Lamentations 3:25-26:

“The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.”

Here, we see a clear connection between waiting and receiving God’s goodness. The context of Lamentations—written during a time of deep sorrow and loss—makes this verse even more profound. It teaches us that waiting is not just about enduring time, but about seeking the Lord in our waiting, trusting that He will act in due time.

Lastly, Psalm 27:14 provides yet another encouragement:

“Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!”

This verse not only instructs us to wait but also encourages us to be strong and courageous in the process. Waiting on God is not a passive act but an active stance of faith, requiring strength and trust.

While the exact phrase “Good things come to those who wait” isn’t in the Bible, the message is very much a biblical principle. The Scriptures teach us that waiting is an important aspect of our faith journey, and when we wait on God, we can expect His goodness and blessings to follow.

The Virtue of Patience in Scripture

When we think about waiting, patience naturally comes to mind. Patience is not just a passive act of enduring; it’s an active virtue that the Bible consistently teaches and upholds. Scripture presents patience as a vital part of spiritual maturity and growth, and the stories of individuals who waited on God remind us of the profound work that can be done in times of delay.

Old Testament Examples of Waiting

Throughout the Old Testament, we encounter men and women of faith who had to wait on God’s promises, often for years or even decades. These stories are not just historical accounts; they offer timeless lessons on patience and trust.

• Abraham’s Waiting for the Promise of Isaac: One of the most significant stories of waiting in the Bible is that of Abraham. God promised Abraham that he would be the father of many nations, but the fulfillment of this promise didn’t come right away. In fact, Abraham and Sarah waited for 25 years before Isaac, the child of promise, was born (Genesis 21). During this time, they faced moments of doubt, and even tried to take matters into their own hands (as seen in the story of Hagar and Ishmael). But ultimately, God fulfilled His promise in His own timing. Abraham’s story reminds us that even in the waiting, God’s plans are always unfolding.
• Joseph’s Long Road to Leadership: Joseph’s life offers another powerful example of patience. As a young man, Joseph received dreams from God indicating that he would one day rise to a position of power and influence (Genesis 37). But his journey to that point was filled with betrayal, imprisonment, and years of waiting. It wasn’t until much later—after being sold into slavery, falsely accused, and thrown into prison—that Joseph became second in command over Egypt (Genesis 41). His story teaches us that waiting is often a part of the process God uses to shape and prepare us for our calling.

New Testament Examples of Waiting

The New Testament continues this theme of waiting, encouraging believers to cultivate patience as they follow Christ.

• Simeon Waiting for the Messiah: In the Gospel of Luke, we find the story of Simeon, a devout man who had been waiting for the “consolation of Israel” (Luke 2:25-32). The Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would not die before seeing the Messiah. Simeon waited faithfully, and when Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple, he recognized the fulfillment of God’s promise. Simeon’s faith and patience were rewarded as he held the infant Jesus, knowing that God’s salvation had come. His example encourages us to trust that God’s promises will be fulfilled, even if the timing is not what we expect.
• James’ Encouragement to Patience in Suffering: The New Testament doesn’t shy away from the reality that waiting often involves suffering. James 5:7-8 urges believers to “be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.” Patience, James explains, is like a farmer waiting for his crops to grow. There is no rushing the process; it takes time, nourishment, and trust in God’s timing.

The Value of Patience in God’s Plan

What these examples reveal is that patience is not wasted time; it is preparation. Abraham, Joseph, Simeon, and others all experienced seasons of waiting, but during that time, God was working both in them and through them. This truth applies to us today. Waiting is not merely a delay, but often part of God’s refining and strengthening process.

The Bible calls us to view patience as a virtue that builds character. In Romans 5:3-4, Paul writes, “We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.” This endurance, or patience, is not an end in itself but a means by which God shapes us into the people He wants us to be.

When we embrace the virtue of patience, we align ourselves with God’s timing. We recognize that His plans are always better than our own, and that He is faithful to fulfill His promises—just as He did for those who waited before us.

Why Does God Ask Us to Wait?

Waiting can be frustrating, especially when we’re eager for answers or a breakthrough in our lives. Yet, over and over again in Scripture, God calls His people to wait. Why? Is there a purpose in this waiting, or is it simply a test of endurance? The Bible reveals that waiting is often part of God’s divine plan to shape our faith, refine our character, and deepen our relationship with Him. Here are some key reasons why God asks us to wait.

1. Waiting Develops Spiritual Growth

Waiting often acts as a catalyst for spiritual growth. When we wait, we are forced to depend on God in ways we might not if everything happened according to our timing. Patience leads us to rely on God’s strength, not our own, and teaches us to walk by faith, not by sight. In Romans 8:25, Paul writes, “But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.” This kind of hope grows in the soil of waiting.

Spiritual growth happens when we move beyond our comfort zone and learn to trust that God’s plan is better than anything we could have imagined. During these waiting periods, our faith is tested, but it is also refined, just as gold is refined by fire (1 Peter 1:7). Abraham’s journey, for example, wasn’t just about receiving the promise of a child. It was about deepening his relationship with God and trusting Him even when the situation seemed impossible.

2. Waiting Builds Trust in God’s Sovereignty

One of the most significant lessons we learn in waiting is to trust in God’s sovereignty. Waiting forces us to acknowledge that we are not in control—and that’s okay, because God is. Proverbs 3:5-6 gives us this timeless advice:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.”

In times of waiting, we may not understand why things aren’t happening when or how we’d like. But Scripture reminds us that God’s ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9). His timing is always perfect, even when it doesn’t align with our expectations. Trusting in God’s sovereignty means believing that He is in control of every situation, and that His plan will unfold in the right way at the right time.

Consider the story of David, who was anointed to be king but had to wait years before actually assuming the throne. During that time, he faced numerous trials, including persecution by King Saul. Yet, David learned to trust in God’s timing. When he had the opportunity to take matters into his own hands and kill Saul, he refused, saying, “I will not stretch out my hand against the Lord’s anointed” (1 Samuel 24:6). David’s patience reflected his deep trust that God would fulfill His promise when the time was right.

3. Waiting Prepares Us for God’s Promises

Often, the waiting period is not just about getting to the destination, but about becoming the kind of person who can handle what God has in store. In the Bible, we see that God uses waiting to prepare His people for the fulfillment of His promises.

Think about Joseph’s journey. His dreams as a young man hinted at future greatness, but before he could take on the role of leadership, God had to prepare him. Joseph endured years of hardship, from being sold into slavery to being unjustly imprisoned. However, these difficult years were not wasted. God was molding Joseph’s character, teaching him humility, wisdom, and faithfulness. When Joseph was finally elevated to a position of power in Egypt, he was not only ready for the role, but he also had the spiritual maturity to see God’s greater plan behind his suffering. Joseph famously said to his brothers in Genesis 50:20, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.”

God’s preparation during waiting seasons equips us for the responsibilities, blessings, or missions He has for us. Waiting teaches us to steward the promises of God with humility and gratitude.

4. Waiting Aligns Our Will with God’s Will

Waiting also allows time for our desires to align with God’s will. Sometimes, in our impatience, we want things that may not be part of God’s best plan for us. When we rush ahead of God, we may end up settling for something less than what He intends. Waiting on the Lord gives us the space to pray, seek His wisdom, and discern His will.

In Psalm 37:7, we are encouraged to “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him.” This stillness is a crucial part of learning to let go of our own agendas and desires and embracing God’s will. Often, what we want in the moment may not be the same as what God desires for us. But as we wait, God transforms our hearts, leading us to desire His will above all else.

Consider the example of Hannah, who longed for a child. She prayed fervently and waited for years before God blessed her with a son, Samuel. During that time of waiting, Hannah’s prayers deepened, and her desire for a child was ultimately aligned with her desire to dedicate that child to the Lord’s service (1 Samuel 1). God not only gave her a son, but He gave Israel a great prophet and judge through her.

5. Waiting Cultivates Gratitude and Dependence on God

Finally, waiting teaches us gratitude and dependence. When things come easily or quickly, we often take them for granted. But when we wait and pray for something, and then God provides, we experience a deeper appreciation for His goodness. Waiting reminds us that every good and perfect gift comes from above (James 1:17), and that we are utterly dependent on God for all things.

In the end, waiting is not about passively sitting still—it is about actively seeking God, trusting in His timing, and allowing Him to work in our lives in ways we might not initially understand. We are invited to trust that His ways are higher and His timing is perfect. In the waiting, we find spiritual growth, deeper trust, and a closer relationship with the One who holds all things in His hands.

Personal Reflection: Trusting in God’s Timing

Waiting has never been easy for me, and I suspect it’s not easy for most of us. In a world where everything is instant—from communication to solutions—the idea of waiting can feel like a challenge, especially when we are waiting for God to answer our prayers or fulfill a promise.

There was a time in my life when I faced a particularly difficult season of waiting. I had been praying fervently for direction in a personal matter. I sought God daily, asking Him to make things clear and open a door for me. But instead of immediate answers, I found myself in a prolonged period of uncertainty. Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months. I wrestled with doubt, wondering if God had forgotten my prayers or if I had missed His guidance somewhere along the way.

In my frustration, I turned again to Scripture. I spent time meditating on verses like Isaiah 40:31—”But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength“—and Psalm 27:14—”Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage.” Slowly, I realized that this season of waiting wasn’t a time of inactivity. God was teaching me patience, but more than that, He was teaching me to trust Him in a deeper way than I ever had before.

Looking back now, I can see that God’s timing was perfect. The answers and opportunities I had been praying for came, but not in the way I had expected. In the waiting, God had been working in me—preparing my heart, refining my faith, and aligning my desires with His will. What I thought was delay was actually God’s grace, giving me time to grow and trust in His wisdom.

That season taught me that waiting on God is never wasted time. It’s in those moments of uncertainty that we learn to lean into God’s promises, trusting that He is faithful to fulfill them in His perfect timing. Sometimes the greatest blessings come not from the thing we’re waiting for, but from the transformation that happens within us as we wait.

The Rewards of Waiting on God

While waiting can often feel like a burden, Scripture assures us that there are profound rewards for those who trust in God’s timing. These rewards are not always immediate, and they don’t always come in the form we might expect, but they are promises that God makes to those who patiently wait for Him. Let’s explore what the Bible says about the blessings and rewards of waiting on the Lord.

1. Renewed Strength

One of the most comforting promises found in Scripture is that waiting on God leads to renewed strength. Isaiah 40:31 tells us:

“But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”

This verse beautifully captures the idea that waiting on God is not about being stagnant or inactive. Instead, it is an opportunity for renewal. When we place our hope in God, we exchange our human weaknesses for His divine strength. The imagery of soaring like eagles suggests a freedom and empowerment that only comes from relying on God’s power rather than our own. This strength is not just physical but emotional and spiritual, enabling us to endure challenges with grace and faith.

2. A Deeper Relationship with God

Waiting fosters a deeper, more intimate relationship with God. When we wait, we are given the opportunity to spend more time in prayer, reflection, and listening to God’s voice. Psalm 130:5 says:

“I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope.”

This act of waiting allows us to focus on God’s word and His promises. In doing so, we cultivate a sense of closeness and trust that grows over time. Often, it’s in the quiet moments of waiting that we hear God speaking to our hearts, guiding us, comforting us, and teaching us lessons we might have missed if we were rushing ahead.

When we wait on the Lord, our dependence on Him deepens, and as a result, our faith matures. Through this process, we come to understand that our relationship with God is not based on what we receive, but on who He is—a loving, sovereign, and faithful Father.

3. God Acts on Behalf of Those Who Wait

One of the most encouraging promises in Scripture is that God works for those who wait on Him. Isaiah 64:4 tells us:

“From of old no one has heard or perceived by the ear, no eye has seen a God besides you, who acts for those who wait for him.”

This verse reveals that God is actively working behind the scenes while we wait. We may not always see immediate results, but God is orchestrating things for our good and His glory. This kind of divine intervention is often beyond our understanding, but it reassures us that God is not idle while we wait—He is moving, working, and preparing something good.

4. Fulfillment of God’s Promises

God never forgets His promises, and waiting is often the final stage before their fulfillment. Habakkuk 2:3 provides this assurance:

“For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.”

This passage reminds us that God’s promises always come to pass at the appointed time. Waiting can feel long and difficult, but God’s promises are trustworthy. He will fulfill what He has spoken, and when He does, it will be in perfect timing. The Bible is full of stories where God fulfilled His promises after periods of waiting:

• Abraham and Sarah waited 25 years for the birth of Isaac, the promised son.
• David waited over a decade after being anointed king before he actually assumed the throne.
• Simeon, who had been promised he would see the Messiah before his death, waited patiently, and in his old age, held the infant Jesus in his arms (Luke 2:25-32).

These examples remind us that God’s promises are sure, even when they seem delayed. Our task is to remain faithful and patient in the waiting, trusting that God is faithful to fulfill His word.

5. Peace and Contentment

One of the most overlooked rewards of waiting is the inner peace that comes from trusting God’s timing. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

When we bring our concerns to God and choose to wait on Him, we receive peace in exchange for anxiety. This peace is one of the greatest gifts God gives us in the waiting process. It allows us to rest, knowing that God is in control, and that His plan is unfolding as it should.

While waiting may not change our circumstances immediately, it changes our hearts. We learn to be content in whatever situation we are in, trusting that God’s timing is perfect (Philippians 4:11-12). This peace and contentment are themselves blessings that sustain us through the waiting periods.

Practical Blessings in Modern Life

Though these promises from Scripture were given in ancient times, they are deeply relevant to us today. In modern life, waiting on God can lead to:

• Clarity in decision-making: Instead of rushing into choices, waiting allows time for discernment and wisdom.
• Stronger relationships: Waiting teaches us patience in dealing with others, fostering deeper connections.
• Increased resilience: As we wait, we grow stronger in our ability to face adversity with grace and trust in God.

Waiting on God not only brings spiritual rewards but also enhances the practical, everyday aspects of our lives. When we trust in His timing, we avoid the pitfalls of impatience, hasty decisions, and unnecessary stress.

The rewards of waiting on God are numerous and deeply enriching. Whether we experience renewed strength, a deeper relationship with Him, the fulfillment of His promises, or simply the peace that comes from trusting in His plan, the blessings of waiting far outweigh the discomfort. God is faithful, and He works all things for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

How Can We Develop Patience in a Fast-Paced World?

Living in a world that thrives on immediacy can make the concept of waiting seem almost countercultural. From fast internet to instant messaging, our daily lives are filled with conveniences that push us away from the need to wait. Yet, patience remains a key virtue in the Christian faith, one that God calls us to embrace in both our spiritual walk and daily interactions. So, how can we cultivate patience, especially in a society that values speed and quick results? Here are some practical steps grounded in Scripture that can help us develop patience and embrace God’s timing.

1. Seek God in Prayer

Patience is not something we can manufacture on our own; it’s a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). That means it’s something that God grows in us as we seek Him. One of the most effective ways to cultivate patience is through prayer.

When we pray, we are essentially acknowledging that we need God’s help to endure the waiting process. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us to bring our requests to God, along with our anxieties and frustrations:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

When we present our need for patience to God in prayer, we invite Him to fill us with His peace and strength. Prayer also shifts our focus from our circumstances to God’s character, reminding us that He is faithful and that His timing is always perfect.

Practical Tip: Set aside time each day to pray specifically about the areas in your life where you struggle with impatience. Ask God to give you strength and to help you see the bigger picture of what He’s doing during the waiting season.

2. Meditate on Scripture

The Bible is filled with encouragement for those who are learning to wait patiently. Regular meditation on key passages can help us reframe our perspective on waiting and develop a mindset that is aligned with God’s will.

For example, consider reflecting on these verses:

• Psalm 27:14: “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!”
• James 1:4: “And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
• Romans 12:12: “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”

These passages not only instruct us to wait, but they also remind us of the benefits of waiting. Meditating on these truths helps us internalize God’s perspective on patience, rather than relying on our own understanding.

Practical Tip: Write down a few key verses on patience and post them in places where you can see them throughout your day—on your fridge, mirror, or workspace. Let these scriptures remind you of God’s promises and His call to patience.

3. Surround Yourself with a Supportive Community

Patience is often easier to develop when we are surrounded by others who are also committed to waiting on the Lord. The Christian walk is meant to be lived in community, and sharing our struggles with waiting and patience can provide us with support and encouragement.

Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages believers to meet together and “stir up one another to love and good works,” while also offering mutual encouragement. By sharing our burdens with trusted friends or members of a small group, we allow others to pray for us, encourage us, and remind us of God’s faithfulness in the waiting.

At the same time, being part of a community also teaches us patience with others. When we learn to bear with one another in love (Ephesians 4:2), we practice the same patience that God shows us. Waiting alongside others who are in their own waiting seasons can offer mutual support and teach us empathy and understanding.

Practical Tip: If you’re not already part of a small group or Bible study, consider joining one where you can share your journey and hear from others who are also learning to wait on God’s timing.

4. Cultivate Gratitude

Gratitude has a way of transforming our attitude toward waiting. When we focus on what we have already received from God, it shifts our perspective from frustration to thankfulness. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 encourages us to “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

Gratitude helps us recognize that God is already at work, even in the moments of waiting. It opens our eyes to the blessings we may have overlooked and reminds us of God’s past faithfulness. By cultivating a thankful heart, we become more attuned to God’s presence and provision, which makes the waiting process more bearable.

Practical Tip: Keep a gratitude journal where you record three things each day that you’re thankful for. Make a habit of thanking God for both the small and significant blessings He has given you. This practice can help you remain grounded in God’s goodness, even during seasons of waiting.

5. Focus on God’s Bigger Picture

Sometimes, our impatience stems from focusing too much on immediate concerns and not enough on God’s larger plan. When we zoom out and consider the bigger picture of God’s work in the world, we are reminded that our waiting is part of a much larger story.

In 2 Peter 3:8-9, we are reminded of God’s eternal perspective:

“But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”

God’s timeline is not ours, and His reasons for waiting often stretch far beyond what we can see. By focusing on His ultimate purpose—whether it be in our personal lives, in the lives of others, or in the fulfillment of His kingdom purposes—we can find peace in knowing that our waiting serves a greater purpose.

Practical Tip: Reflect on the ways God has worked through waiting in your own life and in the lives of others. Write down or share testimonies of how God’s timing was perfect in hindsight, and remind yourself that He is still at work in your current situation.

Embracing Patience in the Modern World

While modern life often makes waiting feel like an inconvenience, God calls us to embrace patience as a necessary part of spiritual growth. By seeking Him in prayer, meditating on His word, surrounding ourselves with supportive community, practicing gratitude, and focusing on His bigger picture, we can develop a patience that withstands the pressures of our fast-paced world.

Waiting on God is not passive—it’s an active trust in His goodness, timing, and faithfulness. In our waiting, we grow closer to Him, stronger in faith, and more aligned with His will for our lives. Patience may be countercultural, but it is a virtue that brings profound peace and lasting spiritual rewards.

Conclusion

Waiting is not something that comes naturally to most of us. In a world that pushes us toward immediacy, the idea of slowing down and trusting in God’s timing can feel counterintuitive. Yet, as we’ve seen throughout Scripture, waiting is not just a passive activity—it’s a vital part of our spiritual growth. When we wait on God, we are choosing to trust His wisdom over our desires, His timing over our impatience, and His plan over our own understanding.

From the stories of Abraham, Joseph, and David to the encouragement found in Psalms and the letters of Paul, we learn that God never wastes our waiting. Instead, He uses it to renew our strength, draw us closer to Him, and prepare us for the fulfillment of His promises. The rewards of waiting on the Lord are far greater than the discomfort of delay. We receive renewed strength, peace, deeper faith, and, ultimately, the fulfillment of God’s perfect plan for our lives.

As we navigate the challenges of modern life, where waiting often feels like an inconvenience, we are called to embrace patience as a gift from God. By seeking Him in prayer, meditating on Scripture, surrounding ourselves with a supportive community, practicing gratitude, and focusing on His bigger picture, we can develop the patience needed to wait well.

In the end, waiting on God is about far more than just receiving the “good things” we hope for. It’s about becoming the kind of people who trust in His goodness, even when we can’t see the full picture. As we learn to wait on the Lord, we discover that the process of waiting is just as valuable as the blessings that come in His perfect timing.

So, the next time you find yourself in a season of waiting, remember: God is working, even when it seems like nothing is happening. And in His time, all things will come together for good. Trust in Him, wait on Him, and you will experience the fullness of His blessings.

What is something you’ve learned in your own season of waiting? Let me know in the comments below.

Scholarly Citations

1. Oswalt, John N.
   The Book of Isaiah, Chapters 40–66 (New International Commentary on the Old Testament). Eerdmans, 1998.
   • This commentary provides an in-depth look at Isaiah 40:31, exploring its theological significance on waiting and renewing strength.
2. Longman, Tremper III.
   The Book of Psalms (New International Commentary on the Old Testament). Eerdmans, 2014.
   • Longman’s work offers a deep dive into the Psalms, including Psalm 27:14, discussing themes of patience and trusting in the Lord during times of distress.
3. Wright, N.T.
   Paul and the Faithfulness of God. Fortress Press, 2013.
   • This is an authoritative exploration of Paul’s theology, including his teachings on patience, suffering, and hope, as referenced in Romans 5:3-4 and Philippians 4:6-7.
4. Davis, Dale Ralph.
   1 Samuel: Looking on the Heart. Christian Focus Publications, 2000.
   • This resource provides insights into the life of David and God’s call for patience, specifically examining David’s long wait to become king and his relationship with Saul.
5. Keener, Craig S.
   The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament. IVP Academic, 1993.
   • Offers historical and cultural background to key New Testament passages, including James 5:7-8 and Romans 12:12, which speak about patience in times of trial.
6. Hamilton, Victor P.
   The Book of Genesis, Chapters 18–50 (New International Commentary on the Old Testament). Eerdmans, 1995.
   • This commentary includes a deep analysis of Abraham’s and Joseph’s stories of waiting, unpacking the theological implications of patience in God’s promises.

Further Reading and Resources

1. J. I. Packer, Knowing God.
   • A classic work in Christian theology that discusses the character of God, including His sovereignty and timing. Packer’s emphasis on understanding God’s ways will help readers trust in His timing.
2. Jerry Bridges, Trusting God: Even When Life Hurts.
   • This book offers practical advice on how to trust God in seasons of waiting, suffering, and uncertainty. Bridges covers how patience and trust in God’s timing are essential to the Christian walk.
3. Richard J. Foster, Celebration of Discipline.
   • Foster’s chapter on “The Discipline of Patience” explores how Christian spiritual disciplines, such as prayer and meditation on Scripture, help develop the virtue of patience.
4. Charles Spurgeon, The Treasury of David (Psalms Commentary).
   • A valuable commentary on the Psalms by one of history’s greatest preachers. This work explores many Psalms that address waiting on the Lord, such as Psalm 27 and Psalm 130.