“Good Things Come to Those Who Wait”: Exploring Its Truths and Biblical Roots
“Good things come to those who wait.” This phrase has woven itself into the fabric of common wisdom, often quoted in times of uncertainty or delay. But is it from the Bible? Many might be surprised to learn that while this exact phrase does not appear in the Scriptures, the sentiment behind it is deeply rooted in biblical teachings.
I know, I know, people swear it has to be from the Bible, well no it is not from the Bible. just like many other things. Today, however, we’ll explore the origins of this saying, its biblical parallels, and what it truly means to wait on God’s timing. I think your going to like this…
The Origin of the Phrase (not the Bible)
As I have already said this exact phrase “good things come to those who wait” is not found in the Bible. Its origins are more modern and secular. One of the earliest iterations can be traced back to the 19th century, in a poem by Lady Mary Montgomerie Currie, who wrote under the pseudonym Violet Fane. The line “All things come to those who wait” encapsulates a universal truth about patience that resonates with many religious and philosophical teachings.
Biblical Themes of Waiting
Though the phrase itself isn’t scriptural, the concept of waiting as a virtue is prevalent throughout the scriptures. The Bible is full of stories and proverbs that extol the virtues of patience and the importance of trusting in God’s timing. Today more than ever, we all must trust in God and his timing and will, just remember it’s God’s will not our will that is important. Any good Christian can tell you once our will matches God’s will your in a good place, but I digress.
In Isaiah 40:31 – “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” This powerful verse from Isaiah isn’t just about waiting; it’s about what happens to us when we do. It promises a spiritual renewal and invigoration for those who remain patient in their faith, trusting that God’s plans are unfolding as they should.
Lamentations 3:25-26 – “The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord.” Here, the prophet Jeremiah speaks to the soul’s condition when it patiently waits for divine intervention.
It reflects a posture of hopeful expectation, a theme central to the Judeo-Christian understanding of faith.
The Benefits of Waiting According to the Bible
The Bible elucidates several benefits of waiting, which can help believers today understand why it remains a core aspect of spiritual life:
- Strengthens Faith: Waiting on God’s timing helps strengthen our faith. It teaches us to rely not on our own understanding but on God’s sovereign will. As we wait, our trust in His wisdom deepens.
- Develops Patience: In a world that prizes speed and efficiency, the biblical call to wait is countercultural. James 1:3-4 teaches that the testing of our faith produces patience, letting patience have its perfect work in us.
- Ensures the Right Outcomes: Often, our timing isn’t God’s timing. Waiting ensures that actions and decisions align with His will, leading to outcomes that are for our ultimate good and His glory.
- Provides Peace: Philippians 4:6-7 encourages believers not to be anxious but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving to let their requests be made known to God. The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds as you wait in Christ Jesus.
Misconceptions and Misinterpretations
It’s easy to misconstrue the idea of waiting as passivity. However, biblical waiting is an active, dynamic state of expectation. It involves persistent prayer, ongoing spiritual growth, and readiness to move when God indicates it’s time.
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Conclusion
While “good things come to those who wait” may not be a direct Bible quote, the principles it reflects are profoundly scriptural. As we delve deeper into God’s Word, (everyone should, as it says in II Timothy 2:15 study to show yourself approved unto God”) we find that waiting is not just about what we receive at the end of the wait but about how we grow right now in this life, how we interact with our brothers and sisters no matter which party they are on, and what we become during this process (or test).
In embracing the biblical call to wait, we align ourselves more closely with God’s pace, leading to a fuller, more grounded spiritual life. Let us then wait with expectancy, knowing that in God’s perfect timing, good things indeed come for those who wait.