Do you remember the old country song by Alabama called “I’m in a Hurry”? The chorus goes as such:
I’m in a hurry to get things done
Oh I rush and rush until life’s no fun
All I really gotta do is live and die
But I’m in a hurry and don’t know why.
This song pretty much describes my life, when I’m around the house, doing errands, driving and even reading a book. I seem to be in a hurry all the time and there’s always something more to do!
In contrast to the hurried nature of my life, the patience of God is ever-lasting.
2 Peter 3: 8-9 says:
“But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
Nehemiah 9:30 says about God’s action towards the Israelites in response to their disobedience, “Yet for many years You had patience with them.”
Do you have a family member or friend who is far from the Lord? Someone whose heart is stubborn and willful and who is selfish in their actions? I do, and I can say that on more than one occasion, I have been tempted to yell in my impatience, “Enough! When will you ever learn? Can’t you see that your actions are wrong?”
Thankfully, God’s patience, grace and mercy are everlasting, both toward us and toward those in our life who test our patience. Psalm 145:8 assures us that “the Lord is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and great in mercy.” He does not force us to love and accept Christ but continually calls men to Himself and because of the death and resurrection of His son Jesus, graciously forgives any sin, no matter how great.
It is my prayer that I will become more patient this year. God definitely has His work cut out for Him! :) My desire is to be like the person described in Proverbs 16:31: “He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.”
Prayer: Lord, please make me a person full of patience towards those who offend or frustrate me. Help me to look to You and Your word for encouragement in as you build my character. Amen.
WANT TO SPEAK WITH GRACE TO YOUR KIDS INSTEAD OF YELLING?
