Day 10: God is Patient

"But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness." - Psalm 86:15

Have you ever had that person in your life that just pushes all of your buttons? Or how about that friend that always cancels on you last minute – they can never seem to fulfill a commitment? Or maybe it's traffic that really gets you. You're already late for work, you're hitting all the red lights, and this lady in front of you is going under the speed limit! It's so hard to be patient with people, especially when you feel they don't deserve it.

God shows us in the Bible that He is patient with us. There are many occasions when Israel disobeyed God and His commands. God was well within his rights to rain down his wrath and punish them. He could have easily handed out punishments or refused to deliver them from the consequences of their own sin, and maybe at times, He should have. But God is patient.

God chooses to be patient with us because He loves us. It's not that we are deserving or should be given a second chance. In reality, we deserve to be eternally separated from God, never given a chance at a new life. "But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness." Rejoice in this truth today!

Think about all the times when God was patient with you. All those times you chose earthly things over Him. Or all the times you messed up and pleaded with your spouse, "forgive me, please be patient with me." God is patient with you all the time, every day when you are least deserving. So, as you drive to work today, or as you parent your toddler, remember this: God is patient with you.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for your patience with me. I sin a lot and in ways I sometimes don't even realize. I disobey and fall short every single day. Thank you for being patient with me. I don't deserve it. Please forgive me when I am impatient with other people. My pride tells me that I should get what I want when I want it. Would you humble me? Help me to remember all the times that you have been patient with me or when others are patient with me. I want to be like you, slow to anger and rich in love. Help me to be like you today. Amen.