I want patience and I want it NOW…
Psalm 71 takes us on a journey today:
14But I shall always wait in patience, *
and shall praise you more and more.
Always wait in patience? I find this the most difficult of callings.
15My mouth shall recount your mighty acts
and saving deeds all day long; *
though I cannot know the number of them.
16I will begin with the mighty works of the Lord GOD; *
I will recall your righteousness, yours alone.
So perhaps we have here the key – waiting is not passive. Waiting does not mean sit on the couch or wander around, shuffling your feet and murmuring like an Israelite in the wilderness. The waiting is active. And it is to be filled with prayer – the Psalm says not necessarily prayer like HELP ME LORD, but prayer that praises God. “Begin with the mighty works of the Lord GOD” and keep it up all day: “recount your mighty acts and saving deeds all day long”.
17O God, you have taught me since I was young, *
and to this day I tell of your wonderful works.
Yes you have, O God. Thanks for the reminder!
You had me at the title – how I can relate to that! The contrast of active vs. passive waiting is a helpful insight.
(Lack of) Patience is one of my worst failings. Thank you for the emphasis on the active prayer part of ‘waiting.’
Patience, we all need. It is never easy in our busy lives.