By now (if not well before now), most of us are having a hard time remaining patient. We are anxious to “get things rolling” again.
We want (probably better said, “need”) to get back to work.
We want to see our friends and socialize in a way that feels comfortable and familiar.
We want to assemble with the saints – singing and praying together under the same roof!
We have seen how some across the country are so eager to put an end to their time of sheltering in place that they have organized protests and intentional city gridlock.
We can understand their frustration.
However, let me offer a few biblical passages for us all to meditate upon. Consider this biblical encouragement to be patient.
Romans 12:12 “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”
Rejoice that we are blessed as we are and that we are children of God, all the while we are to be communicating our concerns and fears to the LORD.
Romans 8:25 “But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.”
While the context of this passage is about ultimate resurrection and renewal, application can be made to our current circumstances.
We don’t know what life will look like on the other side of this, but through faith we can bear up and wait with patience.
Galatians 6:9 “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”
Even cooped up indoors, we are expected to continue doing good and living righteous lives.
Even as those scattered who cannot gather together, we are to be finding ways to encourage and help each other.
Philippians 4:6 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
Slow down – be patient – trust the LORD.
Psalm 37:7-9 “Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices! Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil. For evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for the LORD shall inherit the land.”
Our situation is not determined by what our neighbor might be doing.
We are blessed for our faithfulness – our commitment to the LORD, not our ability to keep up with the Joneses.
Do not determine what you will do based upon what you see others doing.
Listen to and patiently follow the LORD; this brings ultimate prosperity.
Obviously, much more could be said, and many more passages could be cited, but this is sufficient to get us thinking as God would have us to think. Let us be patient as we wait to see what the LORD has in store.
