Psalms 27:14
Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.
Psalms 27:14 (KJV)
Context
Psalm 27 is a psalm of David, written when he faced enemies and dangers. Yet his words are full of confidence in the Lord. He longs for God’s presence and trusts in His deliverance. This verse closes the psalm with a strong call to wait on the Lord.
Meaning
The verse begins with the command to “Wait on the LORD.” Waiting here means patient, confident expectation of God’s help. It is not passive idleness. It is trusting in His timing and resting in His faithfulness. Waiting requires surrendering our own plans to His will, because He knows what is best for us.
Then David says, “be of good courage.” This courage does not come from our own strength. It comes from knowing that God is with us. We can take heart because of His presence, His promises, and His faithfulness throughout history. The call to courage is needed because believers face real enemies: the corruptions of their own hearts, the pressures of the world, and the attacks of Satan. Yet God is for us, and Christ is the Captain of our salvation.
The promise follows: “and he shall strengthen thine heart.” When we wait on the Lord and remain courageous, God gives us inner strength. He provides the spiritual and emotional power we need to persevere. This strengthening comes through our relationship with Him, through His Word, through prayer, and through the work of the Holy Spirit within us.
The verse ends by repeating the command: “wait, I say, on the LORD.” The repetition shows how important and how difficult this waiting is. David speaks from his own experience, as he declares in Psalm 27:13 that he will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Waiting on the Lord includes waiting for common blessings, for the light of God’s face when it seems hidden, and for answers to prayer. These will come at God’s set time.
Application
Trust in God’s timing. In times of waiting and uncertainty, remember that God is in control. He has a purpose and a plan, even when it is hard to understand.
Take courage. When facing challenges or opposition, be of good courage, knowing that God is with you. Find strength in His presence.
Seek God’s strength. Do not rely only on your own power. Pray, read His Word, and grow in your relationship with Him.
Wait patiently. Surrender your own desires and plans to God’s will. Trust that He will act in His perfect time.
Reflection
Waiting on the Lord is like a servant watching for the master’s orders, or like a beggar who knocks at Wisdom’s gates and keeps waiting even when turned away. It is good to wait on the Lord, for many are the favors and blessings received now, and “eye has not seen what God has prepared for them that wait for him.” Let this verse encourage your heart to wait with courage and hope.
