“I waited patiently (intently) for the LORD;
And He inclined to me, and heard my cry.”  Psalm 40:1
(Margin note.)

Webster defines intently as: firmly or steadfastly fixed; having the attention sharply focused; determined or resolved, having the mind or will fixed on some goal.
Some other translations say:
“I waited and waited for the LORD…”
“I waited patiently and expectantly for the LORD…”

We sense that the Psalmist was in a dire situation and only the LORD could bring him the help that he needed.  Haven’t we too been in what were hopeless circumstances that needed the Lord’s intervention?  Or perhaps desired to do something and the door was closed, therefore, came a time of waiting.  I would say that in those times, the waiting was probably not patient at all.  It is in these situations that Omniscient God is teaching us patience.  How else can we learn except through experiencing times that try our patience.  There are two choices -- one that is disastrous; striking out on our own solution OR the right choice; keeping our eyes on the Lord and waiting upon Him! 

We have a promise concerning waiting upon the Lord in Isaiah 40:31,
“Yet those who wait for the LORD
Will gain new strength;
They will mount up with wings like eagles,
They will run and not get tired,
They will walk and not become weary.”

Psalm 37:23 says,
“The steps of a man are established by the LORD…” This being so, when the Lord brings into our lives those waiting experiences, it is to teach us patience and endurance.  Also, through them we learn to trust Him more and more.  These trials and experiences are to fine tune our walk of faith -- always looking to Christ Jesus.

Hebrews 12:2 says, 
“looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Jesus endured suffering beyond anything that we can imagine; the physical was beyond belief, but the spiritually it is incomprehensible.  He took all sin upon Himself,
“…that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”  
2 Corinthians 5:21

Scripture tells us in 1Peter 12-13,
“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.
But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when His glory is revealed.”

Jesus, Himself, assures us in John 16:33 (at the end of His farewell discourse),
“I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace.  In the world you will have tribulation.  But take heart; I have over come the world.”

So as James 1:2-3 says,
“Consider wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptations.  
Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience.”  The Amplified Bible

“I waited patiently for the LORD;
And He inclined to me, and heard my cry.
He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay:
And He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm.”  Psalm 40:1-2  

Our trust and confidence is in you Lord Jesus, our Savior and King.  Most holy God we humbly bow before your throne and proclaim that all praise, honor and glory are yours alone.  Amen