Verse

Psalm 33:20

ESV Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.
NIV We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.
NASB Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our help and our shield.
CSB We wait for the Lord; he is our help and shield.
NLT We put our hope in the Lord. He is our help and our shield.
KJV Our soul waiteth for the Lord: he is our help and our shield.
NKJV Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our help and our shield.

What does Psalm 33:20 mean?

One of the ways we demonstrate faith in God is by "waiting on" Him. Those who can truthfully speak the words of this verse have learned several good reasons to wait on the Lord. They know He is faithful and will not disappoint them. Their hope in Him is firm. They trust God as their advocate and ultimate defense. Hebrews 4:16 directs believers to approach God with confidence, knowing He offers us patient mercy. Likewise, God is a protector to those who trust Him. Even if earthly struggles are overwhelming, nothing can eternally defeat those whose shield is the Lord (John 16:33)!

God's schedule does not always match ours. We prefer immediate answers to prayer, but the Lord is never in a rush. He is not obligated to respond immediately, but He has promised He will answer, "in time of need" (Hebrews 4:16). Literally "waiting" for the Lord to send us an answer teaches us to depend on Him, as well as grows our patience and trust.
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