Waiting on God

"My soul waiteth for the Lord, more than watchmen for the morning; yea, more than watchmen for the morning." JPS Hebrew-English Tanakh: Pocket Edition If I had to summarize this book in one word, it would be "RICH," for every page contains so much of God's truth that it has been difficult to select from among the pages and chapters to determine what to include in this review. This pocket-sized book is arranged in a devotional format, in thirty-one short chapters, each about three pages long, each chapter covering a different facet of what it means to wait on God, which Murray sums thus, "What He asks of us, in the way of surrender, obedience, desire, and trust, is all comprised in this one word: waiting on Him, waiting for His salvation. It combines the deep sense of our entire helplessness and our perfect confidence that our God will work all in His divine power" (p. 16). Waiting on God, in turn, comprises both the active and passive elements of entering His blessed rest, the state into which He desires to bring all His children, not just in the hereafter, but in the here-and-now. Throughout the book, from a variety of perspectives, Murray draws the reader to consider and embrace the truth of just how good God is, how we are in Him, and He is in us. In Chapter 28, "For the Coming of His Son," Murray writes, "Waiting on God in heaven, and waiting for His Son from heaven, these two God has joined together and no man may put them asunder" (p. 119). Murray goes on to describe the waiting of the Bride for the Bridegroom, not for expectation of the position or privilege she will gain, but because she loves the Bridegroom, the ecstasy of God's own love being a certain, inextricable part of that. And this is the sweet pleasure of waiting on Him, in tender love toward Him and toward each other, in true bridal spirit, even as He works in us to perfect His love toward, in and through us. In the spirit of love, Murray anguishes over the "tens of thousands of professing Christians, who live on in carelessness, and who, if no change come, must perish under God's hand" (for God is a righteous judge of all, deliverer, and faithful avenger of His chosen ones) and he implores that we who wait on God warn them, plead with and for them, for God's mercy (p.85). Every chapter ends with the refrain, "My soul, wait thou only upon God!" for waiting on God is never in vain, for He promises that "...they shall not be ashamed that wait for me" Isaiah 49:23. Sadly, only a few of Andrew Murray's books are available in our local library. Murray's works are now in the public domain, and Whitaker House is one of the publishing companies that produces this work. This company utilizes the proceeds from these sales to sustain the company and to invest in exclusively Christian charitable works, including missionary works (I took the time to contact the company and ask the question). They offer many such works at up to a seventy-five percent discount. There is a publisher's note in the front of this edition letting the reader know that "The text of this book... has been edited for the modern reader." The full text (I assume of the original, unedited version) is available online, free, but possibly is not as convenient as a pocket book to carry around or as economical to give as a gift or use in group study. I read my first Andrew Murray book Abide in Christ some thirty-six years ago, when I was a teenager and new believer. There was sound reason that book was required reading in the youth group I was involved with then, for Murray's exposition of what it means to abide in Christ had a profound impact on my walk from that time forward. Waiting on God has at least as much if not more potential to impact what remains of my life, for waiting on God is my rest and abiding joy, it is Christ in me, the hope of glory.

I purchased this book to read when I was on a trip to Thailand last month. I wanted to study a different type of devotional-style book, and boy did I ever! This book could be used as a text book if it were printed in a different format, it's just THAT good. The author touches on learning to pray - not just having a "git'r done" attitude, but to actually kneel and wait for God to give you the things He wants you to pray about..Actually being still and quiet, and having a conversation with the Great I Am... He touches on getting through the painful times when you don't seem to get answers to your prayers and learning to wait upon God for all that is needed, all that is useful and all that is good. If read with an open heart, this book won't be able to not leave you at least a little bit altered. Andrew Murray may not look very interesting, but covers can be deceiving - the message God gave him to share is even more important in our world today where we actually need to be taught to sit still in the quiet and wait upon God.

Very intuitive reveal of our God and his work continuing in us, let go of the worries of this life and the lies of the world and wait upon our God

A great way to daily keep your focus on God with an expectant heart. Andrew Murray dives deeply into how we can best focus our attention not only on the pressing problems and hardships of this earthly life (and how we desperately pray for God's interventon) but rather, encourages us to only focus on God and how He Providentialy molds us each day to lean on Him.

What a great help on my Christian walk. The beauty in trusting a good God. The spiritual truth in waiting on God!

Murray's work here is obviously well thought out, and thought provoking. His insight is spiritually motivated and draws the reader to contemplate their own walk with God. This work must be viewed as ONE of MANY characteristics in the believers life. The fact that such an emphasis is placed on it in this work is a tad troubling, however the premise of it is exceptional.

Loved this for Lent. Av31 day meditation!

Years ago I was told this practice of waiting on God was a secret, It’s an art that has become a daily part of my personal fellowship time. Great book