I admit that technology has lowered my level of patience, and if you're honest, I think you'll admit the same is true for you.
One study showed that 25% of internet users will switch off a site if they have to wait five seconds for a video to download. By ten seconds half are gone (source).
If this impatience only affected our internet use, it wouldn't be so bad. But it bleeds over into every area of our lives.
We read less, we save less money, and we have trouble with long-term goals and delayed rewards.
And here's the irony: The only way we develop patience is through situations that force us to wait, situations that don't have immediate results, situations that force us to “practice” endurance, tolerance, persistence, stamina, and ultimately patience.
Actually, none of the fruit of the Spirit comes naturally, whether we're talking about biblical “love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness [or] self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23).
So next time you're waiting for something to download, why not recite one of the Scriptures below:
Romans 12:12 – “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”
Galatians 6:9 – “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Philippians 4:6-7 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Colossians 3:12 – “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
1 Thessalonians 5:14 (ESV) – “And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.”
Please take the time to read We Need It: Patience.
If you own Wisdom for Life, I encourage you to read or reread Day 70 for some additional insights about patience in the area of anger.
If you haven't purchased Wisdom for Life, check out the sales on Lifeway, Amazon, and CBD.
Bible Love Notes
This is so true! I can't even focus to read a book anymore! I lose interest after about five minutes!
ReplyDeleteI'm finding this in myself, and it's disturbing, isn't it?
DeleteI'm gong to be praying about my lack of patience : )
It is so easy to feel rushed but looking back ten or twenty years the overall pace of life was much slower. I appreciate this devotional today. I like reading one or two every day or so.
ReplyDelete