The word “tarry” in the Bible often trips people up. It’s easy to imagine it as just sitting around, but “tarrying” biblically is far more profound. It suggests an active waiting game, where our faith is tested and our trust in God’s timing deepens.
Imagine yourself not just waiting for water to boil, but preparing your favorite mug, selecting the perfect tea, and anticipating that first warm sip. That’s closer to biblical “tarrying.” It’s about holding onto hope, believing that God is orchestrating events even when we don’t see the full picture.
Consider Abraham, who waited decades for his promised son, Isaac. Or Joseph, unjustly imprisoned yet clinging to hope, eventually rising to power. The Israelites wandered the desert for 40 years, a period that refined their faith in God’s provision. And the early Church gathered in prayer, waiting for the Holy Spirit.
These stories suggest that “tarrying” isn’t passive. It’s a chance to:
Cultivate Patience: Learning to wait well, trusting that God’s timing is perfect.
Strengthen Faith: Each moment of “tarrying” is an opportunity to bolster our belief in God’s promises.
Seek Divine Guidance: As we wait, we should actively seek God’s direction through prayer, wise counsel, and listening for His whispers.
However, it’s crucial to differentiate “tarrying” from procrastination or disobedience. Procrastination is delaying action out of fear or laziness, while disobedience is outright ignoring God’s instructions. “Tarrying” doesn’t mean sitting on the sidelines; it’s about actively seeking God’s guidance and embracing the opportunities He presents.
How to Practice Biblical “Tarrying”
So, how can we practically incorporate “tarrying” into our lives?
Cultivating an Expectant Heart:
Prioritize Prayer and Scripture: Make connecting with God through prayer and His Word a daily practice.
Listen for His Guidance: Pay attention to those subtle nudges and whispers in your spirit; God might be trying to get your attention.
Seek Wise Counsel: Don’t hesitate to seek guidance from mentors and spiritual leaders.
Discerning God’s Timing:
Trust in His Faithfulness: He is never late, always right on time.
Recognize Patterns: Look for recurring themes in Scripture and your experiences for clues about God’s ways.
Be Open to Redirection: Sometimes, what feels like a setback is actually God guiding you on a different path.
Embracing Growth Through Waiting:
Value Patience: It’s a virtue worth cultivating.
Embrace Perseverance: The ability to persevere, even when it’s tough, demonstrates true strength.
Deepen Your Dependence: Recognize that you are reliant on God.
“Tarrying” isn’t a punishment but a precious opportunity for transformation. It’s a chance to draw closer to God, to align our hearts with His, and to become more like Him. It’s about trusting that He’s working everything out for our good, even when we can’t see the finish line.
What “Tarry” Really Means
We’ve established that “tarrying” in the Bible is not your average waiting game. It’s more like receiving a divine heads-up – an indication that something significant is about to unfold.
The Bible overflows with stories of individuals who “tarried” and witnessed life-altering events. Abraham patiently anticipated Isaac’s birth. Joseph, though unjustly imprisoned, remained hopeful. The disciples, gathered in prayer, waited for the Holy Spirit.
These individuals weren’t idly biding their time. They were actively preparing themselves, much like a runner stretching before a marathon. They were listening for God’s faintest whisper, ensuring their desires aligned with His plan.
“Tarrying” is not about resignation but about facing uncertainly with unwavering trust in God. It’s about believing that sometimes, the most extraordinary things occur when we relinquish control and surrender to His guidance.
The Significance of “Tarrying” in Your Life
While waiting isn’t always easy, “tarrying” suggests something deeper. It’s about actively engaging your faith while you wait for God to act. It’s about trusting His timing, even when it doesn’t make sense. And the more you learn to do that, the closer you may come to understanding His will for your life.
Consider the countless biblical accounts of those who waited for God’s intervention. Abraham and Sarah waited years for a child. Joseph endured years of unjust imprisonment. These were trying circumstances, but they persevered in faith, and God ultimately moved powerfully in their lives.
In our instant-gratification culture, “tarrying” can feel counterintuitive. But learning to wait on God might be more critical now than ever. Constant rushing makes it challenging to hear His quiet voice or differentiate our desires from His. But when we create space for silence, prayer, and reflection, clarity emerges.
So, how do you practically “tarry”? While it’s personal, here are a few suggestions:
1. Engage in Authentic Prayer: Don’t just recite rote prayers; have honest conversations with God. Share your concerns, aspirations, and then, most importantly, listen. Be receptive to His guidance, even if it comes unexpectedly.
2. Immerse Yourself in Scripture: The Bible isn’t just an ancient text; it’s replete with stories of individuals who faced real struggles. You’ll likely find narratives that resonate with your own experiences.
3. Find Your Community: Surround yourself with supportive individuals who will pray with you, offer encouragement and hold you accountable. A strong support network is invaluable.
Learning to “tarry” is a process. There will be times of frustration, impatience, perhaps even anger. But God understands. He can handle your doubts and fears. Don’t give up on Him. Continue seeking, continue trusting, and you might be amazed by what He accomplishes in your life.
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Key Points About Biblical “Tarrying”
Active Engagement: “Tarrying” isn’t passive waiting; it’s an active posture of faith, anticipating God’s movement and direction.
Biblical Examples: Abraham, Joseph, the Israelites, and the early Church all exemplify “tarrying.”
More Than Waiting: “Tarrying” involves embracing God’s timing, seeking His guidance, and preparing for His action.
Spiritual Disciplines: Prayer, fasting, meditation, and studying Scripture are essential practices for “tarrying” well.
Benefits: “Tarrying” deepens intimacy with God, builds trust, cultivates patience, and sharpens discernment.
Dangers of Not “Tarrying”: Impatience can lead to rash decisions, missed opportunities, and spiritual discouragement.
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