Patience

By: Julie Maschhoff

Thursday, June 18, 2026

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret – it leads only to evil. Psalm 37:7-8

Recently, I saw a cartoon about patience that made me laugh. Here's what it said: "Grant me patience God and give it to me NOW!” There is a lot of research and opinions on the topic of patience. Some say it's a personality trait, others believe it's a skill that can be learned.

But either way, research has shown that patience improves our mental and physical health. Patient people have a greater chance of having healthy relationships, and many researchers believe patience extends our lives. Unfortunately, research has also shown that a lack of patience causes stress related medical problems like high blood pressure, wrinkles, and premature aging.

A place where the lack of patience is clearly evident is on the highway. It even has its own name: road rage. We may not realize it, but there's something we all enjoy that fosters impatience. What is it? Drive-thru accessibility. We use them for picking up dinner, medications, and our coffee. This "drive-thru culture" has probably contributed to our national lack of patience.

Even if we consider ourselves to be patient, wouldn't it be helpful to have more patience? But if we don't think we have it, could God help us develop this invaluable trait?

Let’s see what God's Word says about patience.

A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel. Proverbs 15:18

...we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 1 Thessalonians 5:14

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. James 1:19-20

God has certainly been patient with us, hasn’t he? Even though we've repeatedly let Him down and given Him multiple reasons to lose His patience... But the scriptures also say we were created in His image. While it is hard to be patient all of life's circumstances, with God’s help we can be! He commands us to be patient with others, just as He is patient with us.

Lord, help us be patient at all times and with all things. Send your Holy Spirit to guide us, and please give us your peace, the peace that surpasses all understanding. Amen!