Cultivating Patience

Unit 18, Session 1, Day 1, Psalm 40

Waiting is hard in the best of circumstances. Waiting when there is danger and no apparent relief must be frightening. Mordecai learned of the decree against the Israelites and planted himself outside the King’s Gate in sackcloth. He waited for Esther to notice he was there. He waited while she tried to get him to dress appropriately to enter the gate and while he refused. He waited while he convinced Esther to intercede with the king. He waited while she fasted. He waited while she had the king and Haman to dinner…twice! But he waited with confidence that his God was with him and would rescue His people.


Today’s reading from Psalm 40 records a time when David waited. He enthusiastically declares God’s goodness to him. Then he speaks of God’s reliability and goodness to him. Then we learn that he is surrounded by his enemies. His priorities were straight and he knew where his rescue was coming from. How could he have such confidence? God had proven Himself repeatedly, and David reminded himself often.

We are left with the question today, “How is God’s past faithfulness cultivating present patience in your life?” Having clear answers to that question will help us to wait in the confidence that, no matter how bad things seem, God has proven Himself faithful. Our deliverance is near.

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