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Genesis 49:18
I have waited for thy salvation, O LORD.

Psalm 37:7
Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

Psalm 40:1-3
To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry…

stablish.

Psalm 27:14
Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

for.

James 5:9
Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.

Philippians 4:5
Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lordis at hand.

Hebrews 10:25-37
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of someis; but exhortingone another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching…

and strengthen your hearts
Strengthening the heart implies fortifying one's inner being, often associated with spiritual resolve and courage. In biblical terms, the heart is the center of will and emotion. This phrase echoes the sentiment found inEphesians 3:16, where Paul prays for believers to be strengthened with power through the Spirit in their inner being. The strengthening of the heart is crucial for standing firm in faith, especially in anticipation of Christ's return.

because the Lord’s coming is near
The anticipation of the Lord's return is a central tenet of Christian eschatology. The early church lived with the expectation of Christ's imminent return, which provided hope and motivation for holy living. This expectation is rooted in Jesus' own promises, such as inMatthew 24:44, where He instructs His followers to be ready for the Son of Man's coming at an unexpected hour. The nearness of the Lord's coming serves as both a comfort and a call to readiness, urging believers to live in a manner worthy of the gospel.

- James has just pointed to farmers who wait for precious harvests (James 5:7). Now he turns and says, “You, too.”

- The call is personal and inclusive—every believer is addressed.

- Cross references remind us that instruction is never for an elite few: “Whatever was written in the past was written for our instruction” (Romans 15:4).

- The verse pulls us from passive observation into active participation: we’re not spectators but part of God’s unfolding plan (Ephesians 2:10).

- Patience here is more than waiting; it is enduring without complaint while trusting God’s timing (Psalm 37:7).

- James already urged patience amid trials (James 1:2–4). Now he ties that same endurance to the expectation of Christ’s return.

- Practical applications:

• Endure unjust treatment, like the prophets did (James 5:10).

• Refuse to grumble against fellow believers (James 5:9).

• Rest in the certainty that God sees and will act (Psalm 27:14).

- The farmer illustration reminds us: delays are not denials; harvest comes in due season (Galatians 6:9).

- Patience is internalized by “strengthening” or establishing the heart—fortifying the inner person (1 Thessalonians 3:13).

- How to strengthen:

• Stay devoted to Scripture (Acts 20:32).

• Pray in the Spirit at all times (Ephesians 6:18).

• Encourage one another daily (Hebrews 3:13).

• Recall God’s faithfulness in past trials (Lamentations 3:21–24).

- A strengthened heart resists discouragement and doubt (Psalm 112:7).

- Motivation flows from eschatology: Jesus is returning, and that return is “near.”

- Nearness conveys imminence, not necessarily immediacy—He could come at any moment (Matthew 24:42).

- This expectation shapes lifestyle:

• Purity—“Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself” (1 John 3:3).

• Urgency in mission—“The night is nearly over; the day has drawn near” (Romans 13:11–12).

• Hope in suffering—future glory outweighs present pain (2 Corinthians 4:17).

- Jesus Himself says, “Yes, I am coming soon” (Revelation 22:20). Our response mirrors John’s: “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!”

James 5:8 invites every believer to join the farmer’s patient expectancy, fortify the inner life, and live in the bright hope of Christ’s imminent return. Patience without heart-strengthening collapses; heart-strengthening without eternal focus drifts. Together, they form a steadfast life that honors the Lord who may step onto the scene at any moment.