Life is often filled with moments of waiting—waiting for answers, waiting for breakthrough, waiting for hope to bloom in areas of uncertainty. In these moments, it’s easy to feel like God’s goodness is a distant promise, reserved for some future time or place. Yet in Psalm 27:13-14, David reminds us that God’s goodness is not just for eternity but is something we can confidently expect “in the land of the living.”
This devotional will explore how we can live with this bold confidence, finding strength in God’s faithfulness and waiting on Him with hope. Together, we’ll delve into cross-referenced scriptures, word studies, and practical steps to apply these truths in our daily lives.
Core Scripture: Psalm 27:13-14
"I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."
David's declaration speaks directly to our human need for assurance, strength, and courage. His words challenge us to hold on to hope when circumstances beg us to let go. This confidence is not rooted in what we see but in the unchanging character of God.
Cross-Referenced Scriptures
Isaiah 40:31 "But they who wait for 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." This verse reminds us that waiting is not passive; it is a spiritual exercise that strengthens us for the journey ahead.
Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." Paul echoes David’s confidence that God’s goodness is at work in all circumstances, even when it is not immediately visible.
Lamentations 3:25 "The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him." Jeremiah affirms that God’s goodness is experienced by those who seek Him with a patient heart.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison." Paul shifts our perspective to focus on God’s eternal plan, encouraging us to see present struggles as part of His refining work.
Hebrews 10:23 "Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful." This verse challenges us to anchor our hope in God’s faithfulness, knowing that His promises never fail.
Word Studies
Goodness (Hebrew: tov) The word “goodness” in Hebrew encompasses beauty, joy, prosperity, and favor. It paints a picture of God’s generous nature and His desire to bless His people in tangible and spiritual ways. To see His goodness is to witness His hand at work, bringing life and restoration even in broken circumstances.
Wait (Hebrew: qavah) “Wait” in this context implies a sense of tension and expectation, like a cord being stretched tightly. It is not a passive act but an active reliance on God’s timing. To wait is to trust, to hope, and to lean into His promises with faith that He will act.
Devotional Narrative
Imagine David, surrounded by enemies and trials, yet confidently declaring that he will see the goodness of the Lord. His confidence wasn’t based on his circumstances but on his intimate knowledge of God’s character. David had experienced God’s faithfulness in the past, and that gave him unshakable hope for the future.
This same confidence is available to us. When we face uncertainty, fear, or waiting, we can choose to trust in the God who has never failed His people. His goodness is not just for heaven—it’s for today. But seeing His goodness often requires us to shift our focus from what we lack to what He provides, even in the small and ordinary moments of life.
Waiting on the Lord doesn’t mean standing still. It means praying, trusting, preparing, and moving forward with the assurance that God is working all things together for good. It means choosing courage over despair, strength over weakness, and hope over fear.
Application: Living Out Psalm 27:13-14
Reflect: Identify areas in your life where you feel stuck, discouraged, or uncertain. Write these down and bring them before God in prayer.
Recognize: Each day, take note of one moment where you see God’s goodness—whether in a kind word, a provision, or a moment of peace. These reminders can fuel your hope.
Actively Wait: Waiting doesn’t mean doing nothing. Ask yourself: What can I do today to prepare for what I’m waiting on? This might include learning a new skill, serving others, or seeking wise counsel.
Encourage: Share Psalm 27:13-14 with someone who needs encouragement. Let them know they’re not alone in their waiting.
Pray: Use this scripture as a daily prayer, asking God for strength, courage, and renewed hope.
Action Plan: A Week of Confidence and Waiting
Monday: Read Psalm 27:13-14 aloud in the morning and write down one way you can be strong and take heart that day.
Tuesday: Meditate on Isaiah 40:31, focusing on what it means to actively wait on the Lord.
Wednesday: Reflect on a past experience where you saw God’s goodness in a difficult season. Write it down as a testimony of His faithfulness.
Thursday: Choose one small action you can take toward a goal you’ve been waiting on, trusting God with the outcome.
Friday: Spend 10 minutes in quiet prayer, asking God to show you His goodness in your current season.
Saturday: Reach out to someone who is struggling and share a word of encouragement from this devotional.
Sunday: Review your week and thank God for the ways He has strengthened and upheld you.
Take heart, dear friend. You are not waiting alone, nor are you waiting in vain. The God who promised is faithful. He will strengthen you, help you, and uphold you with His righteous hand. Be confident in this: You will see His goodness, even in the land of the living.
