Patience Before the Lord

Chuckle: Jim: "Teacher, would you be mad at somebody for something they didn't do?" Teacher: "No, of course not." Jim: "Good. I didn't do my homework."

Great Quote: "Patience is the signature of the saint, the hallmark of the humble, and the trademark of the teacher." --William Arthur Ward

"Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act" (Psalm 37:7 NLT). "Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10 NKJV).

Early in my military career, I had an instructor who said something I have never forgotten. He said, "you are not learning anything while you're talking." I learned about the need to stop talking, be still, and listen to the other person quietly, patiently, and attentively. James instructs us on this subject. "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger" (James 1:19 NIV).

Our Psalm passage teaches us to be still before the Lord and patiently wait for Him to act. His action just may be to say something important to us. This instruction goes against the grain for many of us because we live in a generation where instant gratification is demanded. We want everything right now if not sooner. We want God to act right now on our prayer requests. Patience is a difficult concept for many of us even though we know it is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 6:22).

We must recognize that God does not operate according to our time-table, and that He wants to teach us to seek tranquility in His presence. He wants us to be stress free and calm even in the most difficult times because of our relationship and fellowship with Him. There's nothing that can stop Him from doing good things for you -- in His own time. As you silently and quietly trust Him, you are showing your confidence that He will keep all His promises recorded in His Word.

As you quietly wait upon the Lord while spending time in His Word and in prayer, God will teach you the deep truths that will shape your life. If God doesn't answer your prayer as soon as you think He should, or the way you think He should, He may have already answered by saying "no" or "not now." "Don't be impatient for the Lord to act! Travel steadily along his path. He will honor you, giving you the land" (Psalm 37:34 NLT).

Love, Jerry & Dotse