This morning while I spent time in quiet reflection, the word patience continually resurfaced. Much of my time centered around this question, “What is the best way to acquire patience?” I use the word acquire because it is not something one is born with but something that is developed or obtained over time.
Therefore, consider these two questions:
First – Are you willing to acquire it? It takes time and many will not complete the journey that is needed to develop their inward nature. Patience has to do with one’s heart and how one chooses to respond to things around them.
Second – Am I willing to let the past go and allow the future to take care of itself? Often, we are controlled by our past. We perpetually allow our past mistakes or regrets to dictate our lives. Forgiveness is not just something we receive from God, something we give and receive from others, but something we have to do to and for ourselves. If God has forgiven our past mistakes, meaning it is not something on His radar screen, then why can’t we follow suit? Receiving forgiveness from God is directly correlated to forgiving ourselves.
Likewise, the future has enough worry for itself. At least it did for Jesus (see Matthew 6:34). He didn’t want something to rob “the now” by introducing something from tomorrow. When you think about it, most of our fears are tied to false narratives about the future. Therefore, the key is to live just for this day, nothing more, nothing less.
I believe the key to patience is learning to live strictly in the present moment. Granted, learning to live this way takes time and discipline; but, if we are willing to acquire it, with prayer and reflection, it is something obtainable.
I think Paul had it right when he said, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:6-7). Acquire patience —Live for today.
This Week’s Readings:
- Monday – Revelation 12
- Tuesday – Revelation 13
- Wednesday – Revelation 14
- Thursday – Revelation 15
- Friday – Revelation 16
Please Pray for:
- Our ministers and their families.
- Those who are unwillingly absent.
- The United Methodist Church family.
- Our nation and our leaders.
- The World.
- The Lost.
- The lives of those touched by the Coronavirus.