Patient Trust
Opening Prayer
“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him …” (Psa. 37:7). Spend some quiet moments waiting on God.
Read James 5:7-12
[7] Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. [8] You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. [9] Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door! [10] Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. [11] As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. [12] Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear-not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple “Yes” or “No.” Otherwise you will be condemned. Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
When have you felt real relief that God is full of mercy?James returns to the themes he commenced with: patience and endurance. The farming image reminds the readers that although the farmer must wait, the seasons always arrive (7). No matter how long a drought may last, the rains do eventually come… as will the Lord! He may not come when we expect, but he will come. Grumbling against each other (9) displays lack of patience and is symptomatic of lack of trust. For inspiration, James points to the prophets, who often faced severe persecution and loneliness, and Job, whose patience was truly tested (10,11). They were rewarded because the Lord is not only reliable (7) but also full of mercy and compassion (11). James then reminds them of Christ’s words in Matthew 5:34-37. “Above all” (12) suggests that this is really important. Because of the untrustworthy behavior between people, meaningless oaths were a common reminder that truth was devalued and trust was eroded. Giving your word without oath (12) would be a sign that this was in the past, and that a new page had been turned.
Apply
Where are you likely to lose patience or to react angrily? Bring both of these areas before the Lord in prayer and ask for his help today.
Closing prayer
Forgiving Father, slow me down when I need to. Help me to be patient through difficulties. I trust You to work powerfully in me.
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