Tag Archives: patience

Patient Love

15 Monday Feb 2016

Posted by in Monday Meditation, Psalms

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The LORD is merciful! He is kind and patient, and his love never fails (Psalm 103:8, CEV).

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Wild Flower – photo courtesy of Donald Adam

Reflection

This week’s I Love the Psalms theme is patience.

Can love be impatient? I certainly can be. But true love is not about me. It’s always about the other person. Impatience is all about me. The other person has not moved according to my schedule, so I am irritated or displeased.

Today’s verse from the Psalms reminds us that God is loving and patient with us. The LORD is merciful! He is kind and patient, and his love never fails (Psalm 103:8, CEV).

I wonder if the apostle Paul had the words from this Psalm in mind when he penned those famous lines: Love is kind and patient, never jealous, boastful, proud, or  rude. Love isn’t selfish or quick tempered. It doesn’t keep a record of wrongs that others do (1 Corinthians 13:4-5, CEV).

My impatience reveals my need for a greater level of God’s love, and mercy in my life. The love, mercy and patience that I have received from the LORD needs to be extended to others.

Response: LORD God, fill me with unselfish love so that I can be patient with those that don’t quickly conform to my wishes. Give me patient love. Amen.

Your Turn: How do we break our habits of self-focus?

Waiting for Mercy

27 Wednesday Jan 2016

Posted by in Mid-Week Medtiation, Psalms

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I am worn out from waiting for you to keep your word. When will you have mercy (Psalm 119:82, CEV)?

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Snowy Woods – Photo by David Kitz

Reflection

This week’s I Love the Psalms theme is mercy.

When we are in a really tight spot, God’s mercy cannot arrive fast enough. We want help immediately.

Our impatience can be part of the problem. In God’s mercy, He has us wait. In the waiting process our situation may stay the same, but we change. God’s Spirit works on us.

I fear the kind of person I would become if God answered my every request immediately. 

That doesn’t mean we should never pour out our complaint to God as the psalmist does here. I am worn out from waiting for you to keep your word. When will you have mercy (Psalm 119:82, CEV)?

Bottled up frustration is never a good thing, especially when that frustration is directed at God. Are you frustrated waiting for God’s mercy? Take it to Him in prayer.

Response: LORD God, I need your help. I need your mercy. I need your patience. Give me the grace I need for today. Your word and your good promises sustain me. Amen.

Your Turn: Are you impatient as you wait for God’s mercy?