Be Ye Also Patient

February 18

Be Ye Also Patient

James 5:8  Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh

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 answer 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 his self-possession, shuts the mouth from complaining, keeps back the heart from seeking revenge, and is the principal point of 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.”

Oh for 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.

Oh may we still with patience strive,

Till we at Zion’s gate arrive!

James Smith