“Be ye also patient….” – James 5:8
Our God is a God of patience. The Lord Jesus is the great Example of patience. The Holy Spirit is the Agent producing patience. Trials, troubles, and disappointments, are the means which exercise and strengthen it.
The patience required, is a disposition to bear all that God has appointed for us, without complaining; yea, with resignation and hope: to wait God’s time for the mercies we need, or for answers to the prayers we put up. Patience is the daughter of faith; and it is only as we believe that God has appointed, overrules, or commands, for our good and His glory, that we can be patient.
Patience produces self-possession, shuts the mouth from complaining, keeps back the heart from seeking revenge, and is a principal point in self-government. Are you impatient? Then confess it, and mourn over it, before God; it will make you miserable, and lead you to dishonour God. Watch against it; the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.
Look at the Prophets, Apostles, Martyrs, at Jesus; and be ye also patient. “In your patience possess ye your souls.” “Be patient, for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.”–Jame Smith, 1840
O for Thy grace to aid us on,
And arm with fortitude the breast,
Till, life’s tumultuous voyage o’er,
We reach the shores of heavenly rest!
