The concept of “tarrying” in the Bible refers to waiting patiently and expectantly for something or someone. It involves actively anticipating and preparing for what is to come rather than passively sitting idle. When the Bible instructs us to “tarry” it means we should ready ourselves spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically for what God is going to bring about. Let’s explore some key aspects of what it means to biblically tarry.
Tarrying Requires Faith and Trust
A core part of tarrying is demonstrating faith in God’s promises and timing. We see this illustrated when the disciples “tarried” in Jerusalem after Jesus’ ascension as they awaited the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4-5). Though Jesus had already promised the coming of the Spirit, the disciples had to exercise patient faith as they gathered together in prayer. Their tarrying was an expression of trust in Christ’s word. When we tarry, we must rely wholly on God, believing He will come through according to His perfect timing.
Tarrying Involves Active Preparation
Biblical tarrying is not passive waiting around with empty hands and minds. Rather, it requires making earnest preparations for what is to come. We see this in the parable of the ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom (Matthew 25:1-13). The five wise virgins actively prepared by taking extra oil for their lamps in case of delay. Their tarrying made them ready to seize the moment. When we tarry, we must actively prepare our hearts, minds, and lives to align with God’s purposes.
Tarrying Requires Patient Perseverance
Tarrying does not typically happen overnight. More often it involves patiently and consistently persevering through a period of uncertainty or testing. Consider Jesus’ parable of the persistent widow who continually went before the unjust judge until he finally granted her request (Luke 18:1-8). Though weary, she persevered in tarrying for justice. When we tarry, we must patiently endure any trials or delays, persistently bringing our requests before God.
Tarrying Happens in Community
Biblical tarrying often happens in the context of Christian community. When the believers tarry for the Holy Spirit in Jerusalem, they do so together unified in purpose (Acts 1:14). Also consider Abraham and Lot’s herdsmen tarrying together before conflict arose (Genesis 13:7-9). Believers can encourage each other greatly during seasons of tarrying. It provides accountability, support, and unity of focus.
Tarrying Requires Spiritual Preparation
In order to rightly tarry, our focus must be on spiritual readiness more than physical preparedness. Consider Christ’s parable of the foolish rich man who relied too much on his material wealth for security rather than being “rich toward God” (Luke 12:16-21). Also, the five foolish virgins obsessed over extra physical oil rather than having an internally ready heart (Matthew 25:1-13). We must devote ourselves to spiritual preparation through prayer, repentance, and purifying our hearts before God.
Tarrying Produces Greater Appreciation
Seasons of tarrying and patient anticipation can produce greater appreciation and gratitude when God finally brings about His promises. Imagine the disciples’ elation when the Holy Spirit descended after their time of unified tarrying (Acts 2:1-4). Also picture the immense relief of persistent widow when the judge finally granted justice (Luke 18:1-8). The wait deepened the joy. Tarrying prepares our hearts to receive God’s gifts with great thankfulness.
Tarrying Allows God to Work in Us
Tarrying is not passive waiting around for God to act – He desires to work inwardly in us during the waiting period to ready us for what’s coming. Consider Paul’s exhortation to “let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:4). As we tarry, God prunes and purifies us, developing holy perseverance, Christlike character, and deepened dependence on Him. Tarrying allows space for God to work in us.
Tarrying Produces Expectant Anticipation
When we tarry in faith, it produces a spirit of eager expectation as we anticipating what God will do. The prophet Habakkuk declared he would wait patiently for the vision God gave him, watch eagerly for its fulfillment, and “not be ashamed” when it came (Habakkuk 2:3). His tarrying produced confident assurance of God’s purpose. As we tarry, our hope and expectancy for God’s work grows and gives us assurance.
Tarrying Requires Willingness to Wait
At the heart of biblical tarrying is willingness to wait as long as necessary for God’s timing and purposes. Consider Moses’ exhortation to the Israelites to “stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD” as they waited to be delivered rather than grumbling (Exodus 14:13). Also, consider Abraham patiently enduring without offspring for decades before God’s promise was fulfilled (Hebrews 6:15). When we tarry, we must resist demanding our own timing and submit to God’s sovereignty.
Tarrying Happens in the Midst of Life
An important aspect of tarrying is that it happens in the context of daily life and responsibility. Consider the eager disciples who continued tarrying for the Spirit even as they chose a replacement apostle (Acts 1:15-26). Also, look at the persistent widow who continually came before the judge even as she had to survive each day (Luke 18:1-8). As we await God’s work, we tarry in a spirit of worship while life happens around us.
Conclusion
In summary, to “tarry” biblically means embracing a spiritual posture of patient anticipation as we prepare actively and steadfastly for God’s purposes to unfold in our lives and world. It involves faith, spiritual readiness, perseverance, community, and willing submission to God’s timing. As we tarry, we can rest assured God is working deeply in us no matter how long it takes. Biblical tarrying is rich, expectant waiting upon the Lord from which we will not be ashamed.
