Tarrying Meaning in the Bible: A Biblical Perspective

Tarrying is a biblical concept that runs counter to our fast-paced, instant-gratification culture.

In a world that values speed and efficiency, the idea of slowing down and waiting can seem counterintuitive. Yet, the Bible repeatedly emphasizes the importance of tarrying, or waiting on the Lord.

This spiritual discipline is woven throughout the scriptures, offering a powerful reminder of the importance of patience, trust, and obedience.

Tarrying Meaning in the Bible: A Quick Overview

• Waiting on the Lord: Tarrying involves waiting on God, trusting in His sovereignty and timing, and being patient in the midst of uncertainty or adversity.
• Spiritual preparation: Tarrying is a time of spiritual preparation, where believers prepare their hearts and minds for God’s work, guidance, or revelation.
• Expectant faith: Tarrying is an expression of expectant faith, where believers confidently await God’s intervention, provision, or deliverance.
• Obedience and surrender: Tarrying requires obedience to God’s will and surrender to His plans, even when they differ from our own desires or expectations.
• Empowerment and anointing: In the Bible, tarrying is often associated with the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, where believers receive anointing, guidance, and strength for their spiritual journeys.
• Biblical examples: Examples of tarrying in the Bible include the disciples waiting in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4-5), David waiting on God for deliverance from his enemies (Psalm 27:14), and the prophet Isaiah waiting on God for guidance and direction (Isaiah 64:4).

Waiting on the Lord

The Bible teaches us that waiting on the Lord is a vital part of our spiritual journey. In Psalm 27:14, David writes, “Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for the Lord.”

This verse emphasizes the importance of waiting patiently for God’s timing and guidance.

Waiting on the Lord requires us to trust in His sovereignty and goodness, even when we don’t understand what’s happening.

Preparing for God’s Move

Before we can experience God’s move in our lives, we must prepare ourselves through prayer, fasting, and meditation.

In Matthew 6:6, Jesus teaches us to “go into your closet and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” This verse highlights the importance of creating a quiet and intimate space for prayer and communion with God.

Faith in Action

Faith is the bridge that connects our preparation with God’s move. In Hebrews 11:6, we read, “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”

Faith is the substance of things hoped for, and it is the catalyst for God’s move in our lives.

Surrendering to God’s Will

Surrender is a crucial aspect of tarrying. In Philippians 2:12-13, Paul writes, “Work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.”

This verse emphasizes the importance of surrendering our will to God’s will. When we surrender, we create space for God to work in our lives and bring about His good pleasure.

Empowered by the Spirit

The Holy Spirit is the empowerment that enables us to tarry and wait on the Lord. In Romans 8:26-27, we read, “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness.

We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.” The Holy Spirit is our helper and comforter, and He empowers us to pray and wait on the Lord.

Biblical Examples of Tarrying

Throughout the Bible, we see examples of individuals who tarry and wait on the Lord.

Abraham waited for 25 years for the promise of a son (Genesis 12:1-3), and Moses waited 40 years in the wilderness before entering the Promised Land (Exodus 34:10).

These examples demonstrate the importance of patience and perseverance in our walk with God.

The Power of Patience

Patience is a vital component of tarrying. In James 5:7-8, we read, “Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord comes again. Take courage!

The farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains.” This verse highlights the importance of patience and perseverance in our walk with God.

From Waiting to Receiving

Tarrying is not just about waiting; it’s also about receiving. In John 16:24, Jesus says, “Until now you have asked for nothing in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.”

This verse emphasizes the importance of asking and receiving from God. When we tarry and wait on the Lord, we create space for God to move in our lives and bring about His good pleasure.

FAQs

Q: What does it mean to tarry?
A: Tarrying means to wait patiently and expectantly for God’s guidance, direction, and empowerment in our lives.

Q: Why is tarrying important?
A: Tarrying is important because it allows us to trust in God’s sovereignty and goodness, even when we don’t understand what’s happening. It also helps us to prepare ourselves for God’s move in our lives.

Q: How do I prepare myself for God’s move?
A: You can prepare yourself for God’s move by praying, fasting, and meditating on God’s Word.

Q: What is the role of faith in tarrying?
A: Faith is the bridge that connects our preparation with God’s move. It is the catalyst for God’s move in our lives.

Q: What is the importance of surrender in tarrying?
A: Surrender is crucial in tarrying. It allows us to create space for God to work in our lives and bring about His good pleasure.

Q: How does the Holy Spirit empower us to tarry?
A: The Holy Spirit empowers us to tarry by helping us in our weakness and interceding for us through wordless groans.

Q: Are there biblical examples of tarrying?
A: Yes, there are many biblical examples of tarrying, such as Abraham waiting for the promise of a son and Moses waiting 40 years in the wilderness.

Q: What is the power of patience in tarrying?
A: Patience is a vital component of tarrying. It allows us to trust in God’s sovereignty and goodness, even when we don’t understand what’s happening.

Q: What is the outcome of tarrying?
A: The outcome of tarrying is receiving from God. When we tarry and wait on the Lord, we create space for God to move in our lives and bring about His good pleasure.