Ephesians 4:2 Be completely humble, gentle. Be PATIENT, bearing with one another in love.

As I was thinking about patience, the Holy Spirit placed Psalms 23 on my mind. All the verses can help me see the value and blessing of being patient in things of this world and patient for God’s work and direction in my life.

Patience in Ephesians 4:2 is being calm and non-reactive when mistreated. I believe Psalms 23 will cover the situations we find ourselves in as we walk this troubled world.

Psalm 23:1-6 NIV

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.

Patience – God loves and cares for me. He knows my needs and supplies what I need. I can have patience for God’s promises. God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit give me what I need in my life. Even if it’s not what I would choose, with God, I lack nothing.

[2] He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,

 Patience – Sometimes the Lord steps into the path I am walking and stops me cold. He makes things slow down and sometimes stops. I am not happy about it, and I may be frustrated that I am not going where I need to go…but I look at my surroundings, I begin to notice the beauty around me. God’s creation and wonder are on display. Over thousands of years, He has managed nature, and it is in perfect harmony. I notice I am beginning to be calm and peaceful. As I am patient, He quiets me in a safe place.

[3] he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.

Patience – God sends truth and peace to my heart as He begins to guide me on the right path. His presence refreshes me. I seek Him and wait for His guidance. Suddenly His path is revealed. I walk as Christ leads me. He, and His word, is a light to my path. Psalms 119:105.

 [4] Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me;

Patience – Life has its unexpected moments of difficulty and pain. The phone call, the doctor’s words, family issues. We walk through difficult times. We are mistreated and sometimes slandered. Sometimes we are accused of lies. I choose to be patient because I am not alone. We walk “through” them to the other side because God’s grace and His presence never left us. He is there sustaining you. In difficult times you can show the character of Christ to others through your patience with God’s presence. (I have more work to do in this area!!)

 Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Patience – Healthy kids enjoy structure and loving parents that believe in discipline. There is safety in fences. God’s word sets boundaries in my life. When I decide to cross that boundary, I know I will feel God’s rod and staff.  It is the love of God to bring correction in my life. He uses other people and situations to bring me back into His loving arms. Be patient in the punishments. When it’s done its work in your heart and life, you will be blessed and stronger.

 [5] You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Patience – Even in struggling times, we can be patient with God to bring help. Even in dark times, God brings incredible blessings to us, and in painful times the Holy Spirit anoints us with His presence. “God, help me to be patient and trust in you. Help me to look and enjoy your goodness and presence even in painful times. My heart overflows. It is the peace that passes all understanding. It’s the joy in the morning. It’s Jesus entering my storming ship to bring peace.”

[6] Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.  

Patience – Lord, you are so good to me. I stand amazed as I look back and see Your goodness and love following me, covering me, and healing me. I am patient on this earth until the trumpet sounds, and I am called up to You to dwell forever in Your presence. 

Allow your patient Lightnside to glorify God this week.