08/12/2023
December 8, 2023
Blessed morning, Beloved of the LORD.
Today, let us explore James 1:4 in the New King James Version (NKJV), which states, “But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”
“Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD! Blessed are those who keep His testimonies who seek Him with the whole heart! They also do no iniquity; they walk in His ways. You have commanded us to keep Your precepts diligently” (Psalm 119:1-4). There is a path the LORD desires for us to walk, and in this way, our character will radiate a different hue. Our lives will testify to His greatness, for those who walk with the LORD become increasingly like Him. We are already His children; now, it’s time to dress like Him too.
Patience is a virtue, defined as “the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, problems, or suffering without becoming annoyed or anxious.” Patience is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit mentioned in Galatians 5:22. It is not merely about waiting but also about the attitude one maintains during the waiting period. Some claim to be patient, yet in their waiting, they murmur or simmer internally. When the LORD instructed us to be still (Psalm 46:10), He called us to a place of learning the posture of a patient heart—not because the promise is imminent, but because the One who promised is Faithful. Our focus in all we have and do in this life should be on the LORD. Consider anything that lacks the LORD as your beginning, middle, and end a waste.
Gold, when extracted from the earth, is found in mixtures with other metals. Traces of copper, silver, platinum, and others. These other metals are not necessarily impurities, but if one is in the market to sell gold, they are not the desired product. Some characteristics may have served us for a season in life, but when the LORD desires your true identity to be revealed, a smelting process is initiated, requiring you to be still in His presence, allowing the "impurities" to be removed. Your patience during this process will determine the value you carry "on the market."Those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength (Isaiah 40:31), and your wait will never be in vain (1 Cor 15:58). For He who began the work in you will see it through to its perfection (Philippians 1:6).
Our confidence to remain still is in Jehovah, the covenant-keeping GOD who does not lie.
Almighty Father, I thank You for cultivating patience in me. Today, I surrender my impatience, asking You to command stillness in my heart. Your faithfulness guides me, assuring that all unfolds for my good. With a serene smile, I trust in Your divine plan. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Serenity, because of Jesus.
Shalom...