Today’s Reflection
Scripture tells you to wait on the Lord, but you live in an impatient world that demands instant gratification. God is calling you to model faithful, persistent patience. Reflect on God’s counsel in the psalmist’s words, and consider how you are using time in this season of late life: “Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!” (Ps. 27:14).
—Missy Buchanan, From Dry Bones to Living Hope: Embracing God’s Faithfulness in Late Life (Upper Room Books, 2021)
Today’s Question
How can you model “persistent patience” in this season of life?
Join the conversation.
Today’s Scripture
Since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.
—Hebrews 12:1-2 (NIV)
Prayer for the Week
Gracious God, open our eyes to see the gifts in this season of life. May we seek your wisdom and pursue our holy purpose with authentic hearts. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.
Something More
In his new book, Everyday Contemplative: The Way of Prayerful Living, Roger Owens invites us to pay attention to our longings and desires. In this brief exercise, he offers scripture, questions for reflection, and a journal prompt so that we might become more aware of our deepening longing for God.
Listen here.
Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.
4 Comments
Since the questions all say “at this stage of life” I am going to answer for the stage I am in. I can see how impatient most of society is these days. i do not take out my phone all the time. I can be content with my thoughts or watching others. Today’s UR Devotional was about noticing those we cross paths with in a day and being a friend to them. But we must be patiently watching in order to notice.
My PCP suggested I speak to my GI doctor and possibly have yet anoher test. I have had so many tests I am growing weary. I have an appointment with GI in March so I wwill wait until then if I can.
Prayers for Ally, David and Jeremy, may she be granted access to her parents’ home and find a means of income. Prayers for Jill, Roger, Becky and Larry, may Becky be patient with Larry and her husband as they seek a new home together. Prayers for Safe travel for Robert. Thank you for your prayers and may God bless all who visit here.
I am typically not a very patient person especially with myself – I try however to work with my young adult children on this very topic. They are all struggling with next steps – the two older are looking into new career opportunities and are at a cross roads of sorts. I pray for them and for their patience in discerning what lies ahead. The youngest has applied for a fantastic opportunity for the summer and has made it thought the first round – achieving this would help her confidence so much- but I try to instill in all of my children – that if it is the Lord’s will for them that He will make a way. I try to focus on that myself and try to wait in the Lord instead of being impatient. I realized this morning that in a few months it will be 5 years since my divorce. There is where my impatience lie because I am often hard on myself and feel that in five years I have not moved very far emotionally despite the many changes and challenges I have endured. But it is life and I pray for God to continue to bless and lead me and my children.
Prayers for all of you and the challenges that you are facing. May the Lord lead and guide you also on this journey.
Persistent patience is necessary for me in my interactions with dad. Persistent patience is also necessary with two specific people at school. Being mindful and asking the Spirit to assist me in producing this most necessary fruit is essential. I must be on guard, not auto-pilot and be ready to correct my direction as needed.
Pretty intensive dental work this morning. Grateful to have it available and for finances to handle it, but not enjoyable. Careful eating for the next few weeks. The dentist is one of my least favorite things.
I picked up a pizza on the way home, a little treat to myself. Tomorrow is a long day at school with progress pick up and a meeting for incoming students and parents into the program I teach in. But – a four day weekend folllows, which I am looking forward to.
Safely traveled to see my daughter. It’s a 5 hour drive, had good weather the whole way. Many roads I knew, memories from the past. Had fun watching Willa and Oona ski. Saw their kitten, worked on a puzzle by a fire in the fireplace. Late posting but got to read long posts from Julie, Lou, and Jill. Thankful for the persistent patience God gave me. Hope each of you make it through the issues you face. Keep at it, God is with you.
Windy weather forecast for a couple days. Stay safe. Thank You. Lord.
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