Patience is something that doesn’t necessarily come naturally to most of us, rather it requires a habitual commitment to faithful practice. Just like any other significant element of our life, we have to initiate a plan and purpose to achieve it.
Do you ever get restless and impatient while waiting in the grocery store check out line? Like a collie herding it’s sheep, do you find yourself scanning the landscape and evaluating which is the fastest line and how to get out of the store ‘el pronto’? Of course this behavior is fueled by the laundry list of errands and responsibilities waiting for us at the next destination. Our impatience won’t move the line any faster, but is certain to create anxiety and a testy spirit.
Next time you have to wait for something, try this. Take the time to pause, breathe, and practice a moment of patience. Use the time to talk to God, pray or think about what you are grateful for. Consider praying for the cashier or the person in front of you. Pray that God would shower their lives with love and blessings or pour His healing balm over their family and relationships. Then witness the remarkable healing in your own heart as your anxiety melts away and you experience a moment of peace. Psalm 37:7-9 teaches us: Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. God designed patience to slow us down, to be present, grow in relationship and learn to enjoy the blessings along the way.
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT)
Additional Scripture reading: Patience in suffering: James 5:7-8
Do you have a story of patience to share? We’d love to hear from you! [email protected]
