I walked into the post office expecting a long wait. That’s just how post offices roll these days. But when I saw 10 people already in line and only one clerk at the counter, I knew it was going to be an even longer-than-usual wait. Luckily I got there at the right time, because soon after I claimed my place in line, about six more people filed in behind me.
Within minutes, the lady behind me started tapping her foot and sighing loudly.
“You’ve got to be kidding me. I don’t have time for this,” she said while hitting a bunch of buttons on her phone.
The sympathetic part of me could feel her anxiety, because that used to be me. I used to be the girl who was always impatient. Always on the move. Always thinking about the next thing instead of thinking about the thing that’s happening right here, right now. But because of His grace and mercy, God’s been teaching me a few things about patience over the years, and I’m happy to say I’m not who I once was.
Now, that’s not to say I completely have this patience thing figured out — because I don’t. You see, patience is a weird thing. One day I can feel like I’m finally making strides toward becoming a more patient person. And the next day, it completely eludes me. Maybe you can relate.
I think part of the reason for this is that as fallen human beings, we are wired for impatience.
It’s easy for us to get carried away with to-do lists and obligations. What’s hard is learning to surrender our time to whatever God has for us each and every day. Even if what He has for us is waiting 30 minutes in line at the post office. He’s the one in control of our days after all.
Proverbs 16:9 tells us that in our hearts, man has an innate desire to plan the course of their days, but it’s the LORD who establishes their steps.
We have to learn to be OK with waiting. We have to learn to be at peace with not knowing what’s around the corner. And that takes time, and oftentimes a lot of prayer.
I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to be a woman whose life is marked by hurry, chaos and disorder. I want to be a woman whose heart is at peace.
I want to be a woman who is patient and kind in all situations. But I can’t do it on my own. I need God’s help.
As you’ve been reading this post, if you’re nodding your head in agreement, I want to invite you into to step into that place of patience with me. Invite God to breathe patience into your heart by praying this prayer:
Lord, we live in a culture that wants everything, and wants it yesterday. Help us break free from this way of living. Help us be counterculture. Today, we ask you to replace our restlessness with patience, contentment and peace. We release whatever we’re feeling impatient about into your hands and trust that your timing is perfect. We turn away from selfish striving to embrace simply abiding in you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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Wow, this is convicting and heart searching. I really have to pray for so much patience, because I struggle to wait for so many things, yet I’ve realized this year that when I’m waiting, I’m also more in wonder at what God is doing and not focused on ‘what I can accomplish’ but what He does through me and sometimes even in spite of me.
Dear Emily, I know exactly what you mean! Praying that God will continue to cultivate a more patient spirit within you. Have a blessed week!
I want patience to describe me as well. Not hurry! I can get so caught in the next moment I forget to live in the now moment! Thank you for this encouragement today! Your neighbor at Moments of Hope!
I’m right there with you, dear Lisa! Thanks for stopping by, and I hope you have a rest-filled, hurry-free week! <3
This is such an appropriate prayer for me right now. Working a full-time job, trying to be a consistent blogger with relevant content, and a husband who has been under the weather for about 3 weeks now. And that’s not all…trying to launch an eBook and the list goes on and on. Sometimes I am so impatient until it makes me think I should give something up but I can’t. I work out of necessity and I blog because it’s my passion.Thank you for the post.
Sweet Clearissa, I know exactly how you feel. I also work a full-time job and I’m working on getting my first book published, along with several other things. I’ve learned the best thing we can do is just surrender our time to God and trust that if we say “yes” to the right things, and “no” to the things we need to say “no” to, He will bless our steps. <3 Praying for you today! Keep up the great work and don’t be afraid to take a break if you feel it’s what God is calling you to do.
Oh Lauren! I’m right there with you my friend! Love the encouragement and prayer needed by us all!
YES! I need to read this prayer every day. Hope your Monday is off to a good start!
Thank you so much for writing this. Patience is SO hard but if I can trust in Him, my hope is that it will get a little easier!
Patience is one of the hardest, but most wonderful lessons to learn. You’re so right though — it does get easier when we trust in Him!
Thank you so much for writing this! So beautiful. I needed to read this today.. “Proverbs 16:9 tells us that in our hearts, man has an innate desire to plan the course of their days, but it’s the LORD who establishes their steps.” What a great reminder <3 thank you!
You are so right, our society is not one of waiting. I want what I want, and I want it now … seems to be the mantra… Patience is not always easy either – this is such a great challenge and words of encouragement for us all. glad to be your neighbor today at #LMM
Thanks for giving me the affirmation I needed today. Great read.
Shatreka
ChicStylez360.con
Hi Shatreka! I am so glad this post could speak to you. Have a wonderful rest of the week!
I’ve felt in a rush to move a relationship in my life forward and this is just such a timely reminder that I need to release it to God and allow things to happen in his timing, not mine!
I remember back when my husband and I were dating, I pressured him to tell me he loved me. I knew he did. He knew I loved him, too. But he didn’t say it. Me pushing him only made things worse, so I just gave it to God. And then when he finally did tell me he loved me … it was simple, but it was more amazing than I could have ever imagined. Praying over your relationship that God’s hand would be in every moment.
Lauren- It’s a timely post for me. I am impatient. I want to skip ahead instead of enjoying the here and now. It’s hard work to be in the now instead of in the past or the future. It’s intentional and I don’t have the patience for it most days. 😉
I need a Proverbs 16:9 tattoo on my forehead.
Your #RaRa linkup neighbor,
Julie
I’m nodding my head! Patience is not my most strongest virtue, and so it makes sense that God is always giving me opportunity to use that muscle. In line at Starbucks, on the freeway, with my 13 year old, with my husband. I’m not perfect, but I’m much more conscious of my need to practice this art and heed God’s warnings – rather than run right past them and over everyone else! Love your words and your graphics, Lauren. Always a pleasure to visit – today from #RaRalinkup.
What a great word, Lauren!
May we be women whose lives are marked by peace, joy, and hope.
I don’t want to be a woman whose life is marked by impatience either!
From striving to abiding in Him, yes, that’s how we find His peace. Love this, Lauren. Thank you for sharing your heart. : )
This is so right-on! Our precious time is far better spent waiting with the Lord as we wait on Him. The time lost in frustration and anger and upsetting others around or the workers trying hard to do their best just is not a good place to be. Thank you for this pertinent post for this day. May we sit before Him and quiet ourselves in love and peace so that we can take that out to the world.
Ahhh, the constant battle for patience and peace. It’s truly neverending, isn’t it dear? Love this, especially your beautiful prayer.
Sometimes I jokingly tell God I’ve got long term patience, (jokingly of course), but truthfully I’m SO dependent on grace for everyday life! This here -“Patience is found when we learn to surrender our time to whatever God has.” I really appreciate those words Lauren.
Excellent post, milady! This is a topic I’ve been exploring this year in a picture book and study guide for homeschoolers. Patience for the prize. Been studying the lifecycle of a bee and learning much about patience with contentment to make bitter seasons sweet. Yes–we are a patience work in progress. Take joy in being His chosen for the task!
Joy!
Kathy
Thank you so much, dear Kathryn!
God’s been dealing with me and patience a loooong time :). I’m much better than I used to be! You’re so right, our culture wants everything now, and I think naturally that is how we are wired, to be impatient and selfish. Only through God’s refinement are we able to slow down and see patience as a virtue.
Thanks for sharing at #DreamTogether!
We are all works in progress in Christ Jesus, that’s for sure! But He is so good to us! Praying that God will continue to breathe patience into your heart. <3
Lauren, this post is right on time for me. I want to move ahead with my writing and it’s not on my schedule, but God’s. Thank you for your words today. The tapping of the foot, sighing, and punching numbers in the phone are so typical of our society today. While I may not show it outwardly, those same things are going on in my heart. Joining you from #livefree with Suzie.
Dearest Jenny, I am so glad this post could speak to you. I am praying for you!
Please pray for my family’s salvation.
You got it, Julie! I will be praying!
I just read this prayer for morning announcements at my school! Thank you so much for writing this! 🙂
Keep them coming
The thought of you Charley, Quinn and Aaron not being in my life will haunt me until the day that I pass from this world. I pray for the opportunity to be a better father and grandfather.
Regardless, I will always love you. You are my only daughter and I pray that you will let me back into your life.