Patient in Prayer
- The Narrow Path
- Apr 29, 2022
- 3 min read
I call on you, my God, for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer (Psalm 17:6, NIV).
I’ve been sitting here staring at a flashing cursor for a while this morning. There’s a stirring in my heart to write, but the words I’m searching for just aren’t quite there, yet. One voice tells me to put the laptop away, and come back later. Another voice is telling me to sit in the quiet, pray, and wait it out. With so many things in life, we just want things to happen right now.
I want to find a new job right now. I want to get rich right now. I want to meet my husband right now. I want this new toy right now. I want to publish a novel right now.
It’s 2022. Instant results are expected, and delayed gratification seems to be a thing of the past. We don’t like to wait for anything. Because of technological advancements over the last twenty years, access to information, supplies, goods, etc. is at an all-time high.
You want the latest gadget or toy? Order on Amazon. Arrives in 1-3 days. You want to watch a new movie or TV show? Instant access on Netflix. You want food right now? Click on DoorDash, and it arrives 30 minutes later. You want a coffee to start your day? Order Starbucks, and pick up in minutes.
No wonder we have grown unaccustomed to being patient, engaging in prayer, and waiting while the Lord works. Unfortunately, that has become true when it comes to jobs, relationships, houses, vehicles, and so much more. If whatever we want isn’t immediately available, or what we have doesn’t seem to be giving us what we want, we just move on to “the next best thing”.
It can be really easy to just walk away. We leave jobs when there’s discord at the work place, instead of prayerfully asking the Lord if there may be a reason He needs us to stay. We walk away from friendships when the other person does something hurtful, instead of prayerfully asking the Lord to help us extend grace, and forgiveness. We buy a house that’s out of our price range, instead of prayerfully asking the Lord to lead us to a home that fits our needs, and our budget.
I’m not suggesting that we stay in jobs, relationships, etc. that are no longer healthy for us, or if we feel like the Lord is moving us forward. Instead, I am suggesting that we all take the time to step back, examine our current struggles, and ask ourselves, “Am I being patient in prayer, and taking these difficult situations to the Lord before making a decision?”.
Psalm 17:6 says: I call on you, my God, for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer. Instead of walking away when the flashing cursor is staring you in the face, I want to encourage you today to wait, and call on God. When the right now doesn’t come, be patient with Him in prayer, give Him a listening ear, and wait. He will guide your thoughts, words, and actions as you move forward in prayer with whatever decision you’re facing.
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