"Have Patience"

“Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Colossians 3:12 

When my daughter was growing up, we listened to lots and lots of Christian children's songs. We kept lots of cassette tapes (this was before the days of CDs) with us and played them every time we got in the car. When I was a children’s pastor, I listened to lots more children’s Christian music. Many of these songs have stuck with me- just like the songs I learned in church when I was a little girl.

There is one of those songs that I learned when my daughter was little that the Lord uses when I catch myself becoming impatient. Each time I am, I can hear it “singing” in my thoughts. “Have patience, have patience, don’t be in such a hurry. When you get impatient, you only start to worry. Remember, remember, that God is patient too… and think of all the times when others had to wait for you.”

He uses this little song to convict me of my impatience and remind me to be patient. He is so patient with me. I am to be patient with others. When I am, I reflect His nature and character… and He is glorified… and my peace that impatience tried to steal is restored. I am so glad that God uses “foolish” things– even a children’s song– to help develop His likeness in me. “But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty.” (1 Corinthians 1:27) “But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.” (1 Timothy 6:11)

Have a great day. We shy away sometimes from praying for patience, but we need to be more patient in every area of life.