Waiting With Hope

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God.” – Romans 8:18-19 -(ESV). 

Waiting isn’t easy—and it’s rarely comfortable. 

Struggles, conflicts, and trials often make waiting feel unbearable. If it were up to me, I would prefer to quickly remove the problem I face. But God does some of his finest work when we learn how to wait in times of struggle. Remembering that truth encourages me to discover why waiting is essential. 

Scripture frequently reminds us to wait. In severe testing, Jacob resolves to “…wait for the salvation of the Lord.” (Genesis 49:18). The Psalmist, David, is quite familiar with waiting:

“Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you, I wait all the day long.” – Psalm 25:5 (ESV) [emphasis mine]

Jacob, David, and other godly leaders understood something essential: biblical waiting isn’t just about time—it’s about trust. And trust isn’t developed in a microwave. It’s formed slowly—season by season, not second by second.  

In a world of streaming, same-day shipping, and instant answers, we’ve been conditioned to expect everything now.  [Link to How Long, O Lord?] But soul transformation doesn’t run on Wi-Fi speed—it runs on God’s timing. 

The key difference between waiting in hope and waiting without hope lies in who or what we are anchored to while waiting.  

King David (who models the necessity of waiting) is also prone to lose sight of why it’s essential to wait. Observe his despair and discouragement as he talks to himself: “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me?” (Ps. 42:5a). Life is challenging for David, and in a moment of despair, he acknowledges his gloom. 

I’ve been there! Possibly, you have, too. I admit, there are days I don’t feel like Mr. Sunshine. In those moments, I can benefit by paying attention to how David answers his question: “ …Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God. My soul is cast down within me; therefore, I remember you …”

David does not deny his feelings of despair. He realigns his focus on God, whom he trusts!

Waiting without hope is marked by: 

• Despair or discouragement (Psalm 42:5, “Why, my soul, are you downcast?”)
• Focusing on what’s lacking, not what God is doing.
• Feeling forgotten, abandoned, or purposeless in the delay.
• Relying on our own understanding or strength (Proverbs 3:5).
• A loss of expectancy—when the heart slowly disconnects from faith.

Waiting without hope often says:

“God is silent. Maybe He’s not coming through. Maybe I’ve been forgotten.” When God’s silence seems like an absence, I must remember that waiting isn’t about time; it’s about trust! 

Waiting on God involves expectancy or hope. Throughout Scripture, we see expressions of hopeful expectations as people wait for the presence or arrival of God. In theological terms, we call this“parousia” (παρουσία) from the Greek word that means “presence” or “arrival.”

The apostle Paul— no stranger to suffering—kept his eyes on the “parousia” (παρουσία)—the promised arrival of Christ and the glory to come. That future glory was so certain, so radiant, that present pain seemed weightless in comparison. 

Because waiting isn’t about time but trust, we too can wait in hope. 

Biblical hope is active, expectant, and rooted in trust. It’s not wishful thinking but a confident expectation in God’s character, promises, and presence. Waiting in hope means:

• Trusting God’s timing and purpose, even when circumstances look bleak.
• Leaning into God’s Word for strength and assurance (Psalm 130:5: “I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in His word I put my hope.”)
• Anticipating God’s goodness, even in uncertainty (Lamentations 3:25: “The Lord is good to those who wait for Him…”)
• Holding onto promises, not just outcomes (Romans 8:24-25: “Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.”)
• Partnering with God in the process rather than passively checking out.

Waiting in hope says:

“God hasn’t moved yet, but He’s still trustworthy. I don’t see it—but He’s working.”

Are you in a season of waiting that feels heavy? Is it hard to hold onto hope when answers are delayed? Maybe it’s time to remember? Waiting isn’t about time—it’s about trust. 

Reflection

• Where in my life am I being asked to wait—and what does my waiting reveal about my trust in God?
• Am I focused on what’s missing or who God is while I wait?
• What would it look like for me to shift from passive waiting to hopeful expectancy?