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What Does It Mean to Wait on God for Love?

In today’s world of instant gratification, where dating apps promise quick connections and culture urges us not to “waste time,” waiting on God for love can feel confusing—if not frustrating.

Whether you’re single and searching, newly heartbroken, or quietly wondering if love will ever come your way, the idea of “waiting on God” raises many questions. Does it mean doing nothing? Saying no to everyone? Or is it something more meaningful, something active and deeply spiritual?

In this article, we’ll explore what it really means to wait on God for love, biblically, practically, and personally.

You’ll discover:

Let’s begin with understanding scriptural teachings on waiting and trust.

What the Bible teaches about waiting and trust

Throughout Scripture, men and women of faith had to wait upon the Lord for promises to be fulfilled. Abraham waited decades for a child. Ruth waited for her kinsman redeemer. And even Jesus waited for the right time to begin His ministry.

One of the most powerful Bible verses about waiting is found in the fortieth chapter of Isaiah.

“But those who wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31, NKJV).

This verse doesn’t describe passivity. It represents hope in God that leads to renewal. Waiting on God means trusting God’s timing, even when it doesn’t align with ours. It’s choosing to believe that God knows the best time and the best person for your life.

When we wait biblically, we don’t just sit and wish. We actively trust, worship, and surrender our desires to God, knowing He is working behind the scenes.

So, if waiting isn’t about inactivity, what exactly does it look like?

Why waiting isn’t passive, but a faith-filled process

Too often, waiting is confused with doing nothing. But biblical waiting is an act of faith. It’s a process of preparation, not a punishment.

Think of waiting like a gardener preparing the soil. Before a seed sprouts, much is happening underground. In the same way, God uses our season of waiting to cultivate godly character, deepen our prayer life, and refine our discernment and wisdom.

This is where emotional healing often takes place—healing from past heartbreaks, disappointments, or unrealistic expectations. It’s a time to learn contentment in singleness, grow in your God-given purpose, and embrace Christ-centered dating when the time is right.

The Psalmist encourages us:

“Delight yourself also in the Lord,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4, NKJV).

Notice it doesn’t say to chase after the desire first. It says to delight in God first.

But how do you know if you’re actually waiting in God’s will and not just avoiding decisions out of fear?

Signs you are waiting in God’s will (not just postponing love)

A pastor giving relationship advice to a man contemplating marriage.

Image by Samuel Peter

While it can feel noble to say “I’m waiting on God,” it’s important to discern whether you’re truly waiting in faith or simply hesitating due to fear, past trauma, or unrealistic ideals.

Here are signs that your waiting is aligned with God’s will:

  • You’re actively growing in your faith and purpose.
  • You seek discernment and wisdom in relationships.
  • You are praying specifically (e.g., a prayer for a spouse) but are not consumed by the wait.
  • You are becoming the kind of person you hope to marry (e.g., embracing Proverbs 31 qualities or becoming a man of integrity).
  • You are pursuing Godly community and mentorship.
  • You’re not rushing into relationships to escape loneliness.

True waiting doesn’t bring anxiety or confusion. It brings peace, even when there are no immediate answers.

Now that we’ve unpacked what faithful waiting looks like, how should you actually live while you wait?

Practical steps to take while you wait

Waiting on God doesn’t mean pressing “pause” on life. It means embracing this time as a gift. Here are ways to make the most of your season:

  • Deepen your relationship with God. Make Bible study, worship, and prayer your foundation.
  • Pursue your calling. What has God placed on your heart to do right now? Invest in it.
  • Work on emotional healing. Let God heal any past wounds that may affect your future marriage.
  • Practice community. Build friendships that are uplifting and rooted in faith.
  • Set relational boundaries. Start developing habits that will serve your future spouse well.
  • Seek mentorship. Talk to couples in God-centered marriages. Learn from their experiences.

As you grow, you become better equipped to build an equally yoked partnership that reflects God’s love.

Still, even with growth, waiting can sometimes feel like “hope deferred” (Proverbs 13:12). So, what do you do when your heart is tired?

Encouragement for weary hearts: God sees you

To the one who has been waiting for what feels like forever: Take heart while waiting. God sees you. Your longing for companionship, love, and covenant is not ignored.

It may feel like the silence means God has forgotten, but remember—delay is not denial.

Even in silence, God is working. Even when you can’t see progress, He is shaping you and your future spouse. He is orchestrating a story that will make sense in hindsight.

Lean into verses like:

  • Isaiah 40:31 — Wait upon the Lord and renew your strength.
  • Psalm 37:4 — Delight in Him and He will shape your desires.
  • Romans 8:28 — All things work together for the good of those who love Him.

Let this truth anchor you: God is not just preparing your spouse for you—He’s preparing you for your spouse.

And more than that, He is preparing your heart for Him.

Trust the author of your story

Waiting on God for love is not about being passive, hopeless, or invisible. It’s about choosing to trust the Author of love more than your own timelines.

He sees the whole picture. He knows what you need even better than you do. And His plan will never lead you to regret.

So, wait upon the Lord. Not because you have to. But because you trust Him enough to know He is worth waiting for.

Still in your season of waiting? You don’t have to walk it alone. Visit our Relationships section on Hope for Africa for deeper biblical guidance on navigating love, singleness, and God-honoring relationships.

Here are a few reads to start with:

You are not forgotten. You are being formed. And love—real, God-centered love—is worth the wait.

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