I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord more than those who watch for the morning, more than those who watch for the morning. O Israel, hope in the Lord! For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with him is great power to redeem. (Psalm 130: 5-7)

Israel is the name given to Jacob, grandson of Abraham, after he spends a night literally wrestling with God (Genesis 32: 22-32). Israel means to struggle with or contend with God. Jacob is in many ways a disobedient, treacherous, and fearful man. But he is also fully engaged with God. Jacob faithfully struggles to become that which God intended.

Waiting in hope is not passive. This is an active, awake, and engaged struggle to be with God.