William McDowell - Wait (Waiting Reprise) Lyrics
Lyrics
Wait... with expectation.
Wait... with anticipation.
Wait... I will worship You, Lord, while I wait.
[6x]
Video
"Waiting/Wait" WILLIAM MCDOWELL LYRICS
Meaning & Inspiration
Released on November 22, 2013, William McDowell’s "Wait (Waiting Reprise)" emerges as a profound spiritual anchor, distilling a complex theological concept into a deceptively simple yet immensely powerful declaration. This song is not merely a collection of words set to music; it is a spiritual instruction manual, a deeply resonant anthem for anyone navigating the often challenging seasons of delay, anticipation, or unanswered prayers. The core meaning centers on redefining the act of waiting, transforming it from a passive state of suspended animation into an active, faith-filled engagement with the divine. It challenges the conventional human inclination to rush or despair, instead offering a divine perspective on the passage of time when one is pursuing God’s promises.
The repetition of the command to "Wait... with expectation" and "Wait... with anticipation" immediately draws attention to the intentionality required in this spiritual discipline. This isn't a call to idleness but an invitation to active engagement. To wait with expectation, as the song conveys, means to firmly believe that God will act, even when circumstances suggest otherwise. This echoes the sentiment found in Psalm 27:14, "Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD," where waiting is linked with inner fortitude and trust. Similarly, anticipating implies an excited looking forward, a confidence that God's goodness is on its way. This posture of hopeful expectancy mirrors Lamentations 3:25-26, which reminds us, "The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD." Such waiting isn't born of ignorance but of a deep understanding of God's character and His faithfulness to fulfill His Word in His perfect timing.
What truly elevates "Wait (Waiting Reprise)" is the profound resolve expressed in the line, "Wait... I will worship You, Lord, while I wait." This singular declaration transforms the entire experience of waiting from a burden into an act of profound devotion. It shifts the focus from our desires and anxieties to God’s unchanging nature. This worship in the waiting room of life is a powerful testament to unshakeable faith, acknowledging God's sovereignty and goodness even when the desired outcome has not yet materialized. It aligns perfectly with the command in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 to "give thanks in all circumstances," not *for* all circumstances, but *in* them, recognizing that God remains worthy of praise regardless of our immediate comfort or understanding. This act of worshipping while waiting is a spiritual weapon, dismantling fear and doubt by redirecting attention to the One who holds all things together, as Philippians 4:6-7 encourages: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
The impactful repetition of this core message throughout the song serves not as redundancy, but as a deliberate meditative practice, reinforcing the truth until it settles deeply within the spirit. William McDowell offers more than just a song; he provides a spiritual anchor in a restless world, a reminder that the most productive thing we can do in seasons of uncertainty is to actively trust and worship. It’s a call to embrace the paradoxical strength found in patiently abiding in God, finding joy and peace not in the arrival of the promise, but in the unwavering presence of the Promiser Himself. This powerful message encourages individuals to cultivate a deeper walk of faith, understanding that genuine spiritual growth often blossoms in the soil of patient, expectant, and worshipful waiting, leading to the renewed strength promised in Isaiah 40:31: "but those 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." The song ultimately serves as a transformative invitation to experience divine peace and power by aligning our hearts with God’s unhurried, perfect timing.