God Waits Patiently

Love is very patient and kind, never jealous or envious, never boastful or proud, never haughty or selfish or rude. Love does not demand its own way. It is not irritable or touchy. It does not hold grudges and will hardly even notice when others do it wrong. It is never glad about injustice, but rejoices whenever truth wins out. If you love someone you will be loyal to him no matter what the cost. You will always believe in him, always expect the best of him, and always stand your ground in defending him. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (TLB)

Yet the Lord still waits for you to come to him, so he can show you his love; he will conquer you to bless you, just as he said. For the Lord is faithful to his promises. Blessed are all those who wait for him to help them. Isaiah 30:18(TLB)

Jim Weems lives in Mississippi. His two-year-old Australian Shepherd loves to play fetch. Over and over again she brings him the ball, or the bone, or even the sock to throw for her. If Jim is busy, she patiently waits to get his attention. As soon as Jim puts a book down, or a commercial comes on TV, or he closes the grill lid, she pops back up, dropping a toy at his feet for him to throw. She never grows tired of it.

This morning Jim was enjoying coffee in his study and trying to read his Bible as she yet again brings him the ball to throw down the hall. Jim tells her to leave him alone, then returns to his reading, which, ironically, is about God's patience - for which Jim is eternally grateful. It occurs to Jim that though we may continually bring all our problems and worries to God, God never, ever grows weary of us.

Even when we don't make the time, God is always present, lovingly waiting for our attention. God is great indeed!

Prayer: Dear God, thank you for being patient with us, even when we are impatient with you, in Jesus' name. Amen.