Tarry Awhile

"See, I will tarry in the plain of the wilderness, until there come word from you to certify me." — 2 Samuel 15:28

Tarry is not something we hear much anymore—maybe because in our world of instant results and fast-forwarded lives, lingering feels painful. But Scripture invites us to tarry. Not just to wait, but to wait well.

In 2 Samuel 15:28, David speaks these words in a moment of uncertainty and vulnerability. He’s fleeing from his son Absalom, not knowing what the future holds. He tells Zadok the priest, essentially: “I’ll wait here in the wilderness until I hear from you. Until I know what’s next.”

What a picture of trust.

Of surrender.

Of holy waiting.

What It Means to Tarry

To tarry means more than just staying in place. It means to remain with purpose. To wait patiently and attentively—like someone who’s expecting a knock on the door at any moment. In David’s case, he wasn't idly hiding. He was staying in position, with his ears open for the word that would tell him which direction to take.

There’s a powerful spiritual truth here for us.

We all go through wilderness seasons—times when God seems quiet, the road ahead is unclear, or we’re in a holding pattern that makes no sense. The temptation is to move, to fix, to do something.

But often, God’s whisper to us is simple:

“Tarry awhile.”

David’s wilderness wasn’t just physical—it was emotional and spiritual. And yet, he didn’t run ahead of God. He waited until the word came. That’s a heart posture of trust.

God meets us in the wilderness. It’s the place where distractions are stripped away, where we’re not leaning on comfort or control—but on Him alone.

"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength..." — Isaiah 40:31

Tarrying is Trusting

To tarry in the wilderness, like David, is to say:

• “I don’t have all the answers, but I’m staying until You speak.”

• “I won’t move ahead of You, Lord.”

• “Your timing is better than my own.”

It’s not passive waiting.

It’s a declaration of dependence.

Maybe you're in your own "plain of the wilderness" right now—waiting for healing, clarity, breakthrough, or peace. Maybe everything in you wants to rush ahead or give up. But hear this: God sees you. He’s not slow. He’s precise. And if you stay long enough—if you tarry—you will hear His word.

A Prayer for the One Who Waits

Lord, help me to tarry in the wilderness—not with fear or frustration, but with faith. Teach me to trust You when the path isn’t clear. Still my heart so I can hear Your voice. I will wait here until Your word comes. I will not move without You. Amen.

Don’t rush the wilderness.

Don’t fear the stillness.

Tarry awhile.

God is coming with a word for you.