IMPATIENCE CAN CAUSE UNWANTED RESULTS

BIBLE PASSAGE:
I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. 
(Psalm 40:1)

MEDITATION:
We are living in a “right now” world that does not have room for patience.
There are decisions, deadlines, 
and actions that require our immediate attention.
There is a misconception in our society 
that a person isn’t very smart if they do not respond immediately. 

Too often, our actions can be hasty and without adequate thought.
Impatience can even create a tenseness in our attitudes, which causes us 
to lash out immediately at others whenever we feel they have wronged us. 

How many times have we responded quickly and later thought,
“I wish I waited a little longer before making my decisions”?
Bad decisions made in haste can exacerbate some already difficult situations.
And, as a result, we may feel pressured to make additional hurried decisions.

The Psalmist knew the value of exercising patience, 
and especially when calling on the Lord.
Our culture has taught us that if we don’t see any immediate response 
to our needs, then we need to take action ourselves.
However, when we are waiting on the Lord, 
we are on His timetable, and not ours.

Look at the help the Psalmist received when he patiently waited on the Lord.
He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. (Psalm 40:2)

Not only was his situation alleviated, but his spirit was lifted up 
and he became a witness to others of the value of waiting on the Lord.
When others saw the results of his actions, it would cause them to realize 
God’s power, and develop in them a desire to trust God and His actions.
He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear the LORD and put their trust in him. (Psalm 40:3)

He also learned the positive results of receiving the Lord’s blessings.
This created a change in his attitude; he learned to trust the Lord more, 
to no longer have an arrogant pride, and to turn away from 
the things that were pulling him away from God. 
Blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, who does not look to the proud, 
to those who turn aside to false gods. (Psalm 40:4)

ACTION:
Isn’t a relationship with our Heavenly Father what your heart longs for?
We can’t expect our fellowship with Him to increase if we do nothing.
There are changes we need to make in our thoughts, actions and attitudes.
Why not start by learning to have patience, 
especially when waiting on the Lord?
Develop a habit of pausing before succumbing to the urge 
to make a quick decision without adequate forethought. 

When asking the Lord for help, 
be patient and remember you are on His timetable.
We want things to happen within a period of time we have chosen, but His 
responses are based on our needs, and not on our prescribed timeframes.

Pray, 
“Heavenly Father, help me to change my attitude toward making 
decisions. Help me to realize the consequences of making rash 
decisions, and to see the value in pausing to spend more time in 
thought before reacting to urgent demands. Remind me that when 
I am waiting on Your response to my prayers, Your timing is perfect 
and mine is not.” 

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