Well, I should have expected things…life, would take a turn when I committed to spending the next 31 Days writing on Bible quotes about patience. Turn they did. My head is swimming and my heart is reeling. Trust me, I’m not trying to be cryptic, this is a very complex story that is not entirely mine to tell. But that doesn’t stop me from being grumpy! Quarrelsome even, “And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil,” (2 Timothy 2:24) I’m impatient because I don’t know what’s going to happen and I’m quarrelsome because I’m striving and I’m wrangling because I want to take care of it, all of it, and I mean like yesterday! I’ll explain why I threw in the words striving and wrangling as we continue talking about Bible quotes about patience below.
Bible Quotes About Patience
If you read around here at The Littlest Way you’ll find out I really like my Thesaurus and I really like looking up Bible quotes about patience or any topic for that matter, in different translations. I know that sentence doesn’t sound like it came from someone who uses a Thesaurus but it did, really {ahem}. Looking at a couple of translations, instead of “quarrelsome,” the words “make trouble,” “strive,” and “wrangle” are used instead. Those words are much more descriptive, aren’t they? And that’s exactly what I’m doing right now–making trouble, striving and wrangling.
That curve ball, it’s a doozie. And I don’t understand it. I didn’t see it coming. I could very easily be rendered speechless…except for the fact I kind of want to fight. Not anything or anyone, I’m just in that mood. Please tell me I’m not the only one who gets in that mood every once in a while–very rarely. If I am, I totally blame it on inhaling too much second hand cigarette smoke and listening to too much honky-tonk country in my youth.
I’m confused and impatient and snapping at people I should be treating kindly. I should be teaching my children how to handle the curve balls of life and instead, I’m striving. Do you know a synonym for striving is “attempt?” I am attempting to understand, get control, figure out the entire future…and people get in my way of striving to do all that. Don’t they know my mind is swimming?!?!
No, they don’t actually. All they know is I’m grumpy and snappy and distant…impatient.
One of my favorite synonyms for “wrangling” is “take on” and Oh boy am I ever taking on. I’m taking on conversations in my head with everyone and no one. I’m taking on playing out way too many mental scenarios. I’m taking on trying to figure out a future God didn’t ask my help in planning.
You know what I’m not putting on? Compassion…kindness…lowliness…meekness…patience. You know what I’m not doing? Hoping for what I don’t see and waiting with patience. You know what I’m not doing? Enduring. You know the opposite of me right me? Romans 12:12, “Rejoice in your hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer”
I’m ending with a shout-out to God. “God, thank You. You knew this was coming. You knew all of this and you prompted me to write for 31 days on Bible quotes about patience. Thank You.”
Claudia says
I have to say, I am very glad that I’m not the only one that has those days. But the Lord always makes things better, in His own time.
Hope everything is getting better.
God bless,
Claudia
Jenny says
UGH! We all have them. Some won’t admit and some sugar coat. And some just struggle silently. Things are looking up I believe.
Judi says
The major issue is you recognize how you are and you want to do better.
Of course I have no idea what your struggle is but as with most of our struggles
people are usually involved. A wise priest recently told me, on the cross Jesus said, “Father, forgive them.” Not make me forgive them. But you forgive them then pray to have Him give me strength to forgive. God in His mercy is there for us, His will is best! I hope this helps. You are in my prayers. ~Judi
Jenny says
Thank you Judi. I love the advice of the wise priest. I had not thought of it that way.
Karen Ford says
Well, I am sorry for your grumpiness. Too bad you are not next door because I am major grumpy myself this morning, and having those conversations in my head! Trying to do my Sirach and just fuming…..I’ll get over it…I always do but the trip down the road of angry, confused and hurt feelings is always bumpy.
Hang in there. You have touched many with your goodness.
Thank you for that!
Hugs!
Karen
Jenny says
I’m off to spend the weekend on the soccer sidelines. Hopefully I don’t take my grumpiness out on the ref, lol! And yes, how nice it would be to live next and help each other snap back into a joy-filled life sooner rather than later–because we always get back joy eventually if we set our mind to it 🙂