Are we patient enough?
We want things to happen right away—right here and right now. Many things have been created and designed to make life as convenient and as efficient as possible for us. And if something isn't this way, we might get a little frustrated by that. We get a little frustrated when the internet slows down. We get a little frustrated when the line at the coffee shop is taking a little longer than usual. We get a little frustrated when we have to update the software on our smartphones. We're used to having things operate quickly and efficiently for us. We're not used to waiting. We're not used to being patient.
Even though we may be used to a fast and efficient lifestyle, we need to learn to be patient. Many things in life require patience. Life isn't all about being fast and efficient. In fact, many things can't be done quickly. Growing up can't be done quickly. Learning a new skill like playing an instrument or cooking can't be done quickly. Launching a business or a project can't be done quickly. Our spiritual growth can't be done quickly. These things take time. And we have to be patient with our work and progress.
The book of Psalms encourages us to be patient in our times with the Lord: "Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him" (Ps. 37:7 ESV). Communing with God in prayer, Scripture, worship, and contemplation isn't something that can be done quickly. We can't just rush through the process hoping that we'll get something out of it. Instead, we need to come to our times with the Lord with intentionality, focus, and patience. The psalm tells us that we are the ones who need to "patiently wait for [the LORD]" and not the other way around.
This might mean that we need to re-arrange our schedules to have ample time to meet with God in prayer. This might mean that we need to start reading Scripture slowly and deliberately rather than just rushing through it. This might mean that we need to have more space each day for reflection and journaling. Although a few minutes of prayer each day is better than nothing, the point of prayer isn't to get the spiritual activity done. It's not a box that we need to check at the end of the day. We pray so that we can commune with the Lord with the goal of getting close to Christ and being transformed in His likeness. Having patience and more space to meet with the Lord in prayer will help us do exactly that. May we learn to patiently wait for the Lord when we come before Him in prayer and worship.
Barnabas the Monastic
Servant of Christ. Husband. Dad. Modern Monastic. I have a wild ambition in life: get as close to the Lord Jesus Christ as I can while on earth. I explore and integrate ancient Christian monk wisdom in modern everyday life. Lives in Canada.