Psalm 46:10 “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth”.
Patience is a sweet spiritual fruit. It is not a sour or bitter fruit. It is a fruit that is developed in the intense heat of disappointments and frustrations. Waiting can be frustrating and can negatively affect our moods and attitude. Anger and irritation will only produce sour and bitter fruits.
On the contrary, the posture of waiting patiently on the Lord will bear sweet fruits. “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him (Psalm 37:7a). David waited for about 14 to 15 years from the time he was anointed by the Prophet Samuel until he was crowned as King over all of Israel. Waiting tenderized him and prepared him to become a king who pleased God and not his passions. When he had a chance to kill King Saul and accelerate his way to the throne, David categorically said, “Do not harm him, for who can lay a hand on the LORD’s anointed and remain innocent?” (1 Samuel 26:9). Waiting made him succulent and sweet. While frustration produces pungent fruits of animosity, aggression and antagonism, waiting patiently for God’s time inculcates godliness and inner beauty.
Patience produces sweet fruits:
1. Still: Remain still to produce the fruit of patience. Frustration makes a person restless and agitated. Have a conversation with your soul and say, “Soul be still”; stop relying on people or your smartness”. Don’t react to the instincts of the flesh but respond to the voice of the Holy Spirit.
2. Sweet: Heat increases the soluble sugar content and makes the fruit taste sweeter. The same metaphor is true in our spiritual lives. The fiery furnace of trial will make our soul succulent and our attitude sweeter if we choose to become better and not bitter. So, choose to become better under pressure.
3. Serene: Serenity is the technique to go through the furnace patiently. Stillness in the soul puts a bridle on our tongue. Serenity of the soul is godly trust and rest.
The posture of patience is stillness; Serenity produces sweet fruits.
Prayer: Father God, I will choose to become better and not bitter while I wait for the breakthrough. Amen.
Leave a Reply