Developing Patience

“A relaxed attitude lengthens life…”

Proverbs 14:30 (NLT)

Life is a test in patience!

This week you can expect to be tested in at least four different ways:

Interruptions – you’ll sit down to dinner and someone will knock at your front door; you’ll be in the bathroom and the phone will ring; you’ll be working on a deadline and your boss will ask you to attend a meeting.

Inconveniences – flights will be cancelled or delayed; car trouble may leave you stuck on the road.

How will you react?

Irritations – those little things that are beyond your control and make life uncomfortable. 

Irritations tend to bring out either the best or the beast in us.

Inactivity – you’ll be forced to wait in lines, in offices, in traffic, in elevators. 

Brits’s would rather do almost anything but wait.

Research shows that people who are habitually impatient are the ones most prone to be heart attack victims.  Proverbs 19:2 says “Impatience will get you into trouble.”  You could probably provide a few personal examples of that truth!

THE BIBLE GIVES FOUR SECRETS TO DEVELOPING PATIENCE:

1. Discover a new perspective – Find a new way of looking at the situation. Patience always begins by changing the way you think about something.  And there is always more than one way to look at something.

2. Develop a sense of humour – Learn to laugh at yourself and your circumstances. Find the fun in your frustrations. On average, people with a sense of humour live longer than those who don’t.  “A relaxed attitude lengthens a man’s life.”  Pr. 14:30 (LB)

3. Deepen your love – When you are filled with love, almost nothing can provoke you, but if you’re filled with anger almost anything will. Love is thinking about what others need, not just about you. 

“Love is patient.”  1 Cor.13:4

4. Depend on God – “God can strengthen you with ample power to meet whatever comes, with fortitude, patience, and joy.”  Col. 1:11 (NEB)

 Why don’t you ask God to help you develop your patience this week? 

Prayer

Father, help me to lighten up. I’d like to reduce the level of anxiety that I have. Remind me to submit to Your Spirit as He produces the Fruit of patience in me.

Amen 

Study by Fraser Murdoch