But you, O Lord, are a God of compassion and mercy, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness. Psalm 86:15
When thinking about God and who He is, many words certainly come to mind. If you are like me, you probably think about God’s love, kindness, justice, and mercy. One of the aspects that might not immediately come to mind is His great patience. Throughout Scripture, we read about the patience of God. As often as humanity has messed up, turned their backs on God, or put other things in the place only He deserves, God has been profoundly patient with us.
David wrote about God’s patience in Psalm 86. As he wrote about the situations he was facing in his life, David shifted to remembering about God. “But you, O Lord, are a God of compassion and mercy, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness” (verse 15). As David remembered God, he wrote about the many character traits that come to mind. He wrote about God’s compassion, mercy, love, and faithfulness. He also included in this list that God is “slow to get angry.” To be slow to get angry means that, among other things, God is patient.
For further evidence of God’s faithfulness, we only have to look at what He has done. When humanity sinned and sin entered the world, He did not abandon us and leave us alone in that sin. Instead, He made a plan to rescue all who place their faith in Him from their sin. And all throughout Scripture, we find that He not only gives second chances, but He also gives third, fourth, and fifth chances when people come to Him and repent.
In light of God’s patience, how can you be more patient with others around you? After all, God’s patience compels us to be patient in return.
God, in His nature, is profoundly patient. Although His patience is undeserved, it is a gift. Spend some time praying to God, who exudes patience. Praise Him for being a God who is patient, and thank Him for choosing to be patient toward His people.
Read Psalm 86:1-17(NLT)
Bend down, O Lord, and hear my prayer; answer me, for I need your help.Protect me, for I am devoted to you. Save me, for I serve you and trust you. You are my God.Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I am calling on you constantly.Give me happiness, O Lord, for I give myself to you.O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help.Listen closely to my prayer, O Lord; hear my urgent cry.I will call to you whenever I’m in trouble, and you will answer me.
No pagan god is like you, O Lord. None can do what you do!All the nations you made will come and bow before you, Lord; they will praise your holy name.For you are great and perform wonderful deeds. You alone are God.
Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may live according to your truth!Grant me purity of heart, so that I may honor you.With all my heart I will praise you, O Lord my God. I will give glory to your name forever,for your love for me is very great. You have rescued me from the depths of death.[a]
O God, insolent people rise up against me; a violent gang is trying to kill me. You mean nothing to them.But you, O Lord, are a God of compassion and mercy,slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness.Look down and have mercy on me. Give your strength to your servant; save me, the son of your servant.Send me a sign of your favor. Then those who hate me will be put to shame, for you, O Lord, help and comfort me.
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