Waiting on the Lord

Jacob, a Book of Mormon prophet, defines the people of the Lord as those "who wait for him" (2 Nephi 6:13). But what does it mean to wait on the Lord? President Henry B. Eyring state the following:

"You and I struggle to bring down the powers of heaven ... You go along on your own and then, suddenly, that’s not enough ... Then you doubt yourself or the person who called you or even whether you have the power to reach God" --Waiting on the Lord

The worry is not with our testimony; it is not with those that called us or with ourselves. The Lord is only asking us to wait on Him. I think there are several significant things that the Lord means when He says "wait."

1. It is necessary to be patient (D&C 98:2). When we wait on the Lord, we trust His timing, and we know that He will fulfill all His promises to us. In the end, we will not be ashamed, for we will have chosen the better part.
2. We must learn to be still (Psalms 25:5, Psalms 46:10). We must learn to calm ourselves, even in the midst of crisis (see 3 Nephi 1:7-8) and recognize God's transcendent power.
3. We must actively engage in service (Mosiah 2:17). Just like a waiter serves customers, we need to serve our God.
4. We must have hope (see Proverbs 13:12; Jacob 2:19). Hope is "an abiding trust that the Lord will fulfill his promises to you" (Preach My Gospel). Abide is to dwell, remain, or last, all of which are constant and unfailing.

I promise that as you wait on the Lord, he will fulfill His promises. You will feel His growing love and appreciation, and you will recognize that His plan is always in motion.