Teach Me, Lord, To Wait

“Teach Me, Lord, to Wait” was written by Carl Stuart Hamblen, one of the most influential voices in early American gospel and country music. Born on October 20, 1908, in Kellyville, Texas, Stuart was the son of Dr. J.H. Hamblen, a traveling Methodist preacher who would later found the Evangelical Methodist Church. Raised in a religious environment, Stuart learned about the Scriptures and the Christian life from an early age. However, like many who grow up in Christian homes, he initially wandered far from those teachings. His early career was marked by enormous secular success. In 1926, Stuart began performing as radio’s first “singing cowboy” on WBAP in Fort Worth, Texas. By 1929, he had gained fame by winning a talent contest in Abilene, Texas, and used the winnings to head to Camden, New Jersey, seeking a recording contract with the Victor Talking Machine Company (later RCA Victor). He quickly became a national figure with his western-style music and storytelling, appearing in films and radio programs.

Stuart Hamblen’s life, however, was not without turmoil. Despite his fame and fortune, his life was plagued by alcoholism and wild living. All of that changed dramatically in 1949 after attending one of Billy Graham’s early crusades in Los Angeles. Deeply convicted by the message of the gospel, Hamblen surrendered his life to Christ, making a radical and public stand. This decision cost him professionally—he lost sponsors, contracts, and many fans—but Hamblen remained firm. From that point forward, he devoted his musical talents to writing and performing gospel songs. “Teach Me, Lord, to Wait” was written a few years later, likely around 1953, during a time when Hamblen was learning firsthand the difficulty and spiritual necessity of waiting on God's timing. His once-fast-paced life of constant motion was now quieted by a call to patience and endurance, and this hymn emerged as both a confession and a prayer of submission.

The scriptural foundation of this hymn comes primarily from Isaiah 40:31, a verse that has long been a beacon of hope for those weary in spirit: “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength…” The hymn reflects this biblical call to trust in God's timing rather than pushing ahead with our own agendas. Each line in the hymn is a personal appeal: “Teach me, Lord, to wait down on my knees / Till in Your own good time, You answer my pleas.” Hamblen’s words echo the experience of many believers who find themselves in seasons of uncertainty, longing for breakthrough, yet called to stillness and faith. The hymn does not offer quick fixes or emotional hype; instead, it cultivates a spirit of reverence, obedience, and stillness before the Lord. In doing so, it stands apart from more triumphalist gospel songs, choosing instead to emphasize the beauty and strength that comes through surrendered patience.

Spiritual and Musical Significance

Musically, “Teach Me, Lord, to Wait” is simple and reverent, written in the Southern Gospel tradition with a melody that gently supports the hymn’s introspective tone. It is most commonly sung slowly, allowing time for the weight of the words to sink in. Many gospel quartets and soloists have included the hymn in their repertoires over the decades, and it continues to be a favorite in churches and devotional gatherings. The hymn is especially meaningful for those going through trials or who are in a season where answers seem delayed. Its message provides assurance that the delays of God are not denials, and that His strength is made perfect in our waiting.

Theologically, the hymn brings to light one of the most neglected yet vital aspects of the Christian life: the discipline of waiting. We live in a culture that prioritizes speed, convenience, and immediate results, but Scripture repeatedly points to the refining work that happens while we wait. From Abraham to David to Jesus Himself, waiting is a sacred space where God prepares hearts, builds character, and aligns our desires with His will. Hamblen’s hymn reminds us that waiting is not passive; it is a time of prayer, surrender, and continued service. The second verse includes this important commitment: “They that wait upon the Lord / Shall renew their strength… / Help me not to murmur nor complain / While waiting for Your strength.” It is this combination of honesty and submission that gives the hymn its spiritual depth.

Stuart Hamblen’s “Teach Me, Lord, to Wait” remains a powerful anthem of surrender and devotion. Unlike many modern worship songs that seek to stir emotion, this hymn quietly calls the believer into the presence of God, encouraging trust rather than striving, and reverence rather than restlessness. Its message continues to resonate because it speaks to a universal human experience—waiting—and shows us how even in the silence, God is at work. The hymn endures as one of Stuart Hamblen’s most treasured contributions to gospel music, not merely because of its melody, but because of the soul-searching truth it proclaims.