Most Understanding Lord, I find it hard to remain patient with others and some of the circumstances I encounter in my life. Too many times I feel like I’m blowing a fuse throughout my day. You are so patient and persevering in Your relationship with me that I know You can teach me how to be more like You. My inability in trying to do things I cannot do or explaining things that are clear to me but unclear to others is really frustrating to me. I seem to think that if I fuss or crank up the volume others will understand. You always spoke softly, clearly and under control. Your words were always impactful and caring. I’m like a fuse in an electrical panel … a surge enters my life and I blow a fuse. Through all the tests and trials that You had to face in Your life You were able to remain kind and thoughtful. I want to handle circumstances like You did and keep calm.
I feel that a key to overcoming my problem is learning how to not react on impulse. To bite my tongue and turn the other cheek are the ways You taught Your followers to act. I don’t know how to replicate that behavior. I must accept the fact that while You were perfect, I am not. Because of the fallen nature of man, we sluff on correcting our deficiencies … blame our failings on others … expect others to deliver what we ourselves cannot. I must learn that while You expect me to speak out … it must be the truth done in love. I have no right to put my hang-ups on others. I must realize that my angry outbursts will only cause ulcers to myself and destroy my relationships with others. If I learn to let by-gone be by-gone, events in my life will avoid the storms I create now. I must learn to forgive myself when I do not live up to expectations that I put on myself … because You forgive me when I fail to live up to Yours?
I have heard the old saying that “patience is a virtue.” It’s a virtue I want to master in this life to prepare me for the next. Unlike Your people who wandered in the wilderness because they did not conform to Your will, I want to correct this flaw so I can go into Your promised land. This is a character flaw that I need to surrender to Your power and guidance. Each time that I am pressed inwardly to fuss, cuss, or judge, I must turn to Your strength to help me withstand the fury that wells up inside of me. I must be willing to humble myself and accept the fact that some things are beyond my control, and I must seek Your guidance on how to deal with them. I need Your help in biting my tongue and turning the other cheek when my instinct is to lash out. I need to slow down and not let things overwhelm me. I am looking forward to Your guidance and help in this area. And it’s in Jesus’ name I pray. AMEN!!
James 1:4 But let patience have her perfect work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.