How to Be Patient Even When Life is Hard
Has anyone ever told you never to pray for patience? It seems that enduring trials and tribulations are the only way to develop patience, and no one desires hardships. Like it or not, God desires us to be patient.
…the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. – Galatians 5:22-23 ESV
What does it mean to be patient?
Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defines patience as:
The suffering of afflictions, pain, toil, calamity, provocation or other evil, with a calm, unruffled temper; endurance without murmuring or fretfulness. patience may spring from constitutional fortitude, from a kind of heroic pride, or from christian submission to the divine will.
Here are some suggestions on how to be patient.
Adjust Your Perspective to Be Patient
Emotional situations have a tendency to cloud a person’s perspective. For instance, if a coworker snaps an undeserved and cutting remark at you, it would be easy to retaliate in the same manner. However, if you pause and consider your coworker’s circumstances, it might be easier to offer her grace. Does her frustration stem from conflict with her supervisor? Is she struggling with a life-threatening illness or a volatile home life? Broadening your perspective a step further, you will realize that your conflict is probably a result of spiritual warfare and the enemy’s attempt to cause division in your workplace. Taking a step back and viewing the situation from a larger perspective helps us to have a deeper insight into the case.
Be Mindful of What’s Filling Your Mind
If you’re feeling negative emotions like impatience, anger, or depression, consider what you’re feeding your mind. If you spend significantly more time watching the local news than you spend building your relationship with God, you’ll probably experience depression or anxiety. If you spend a significant amount of your time with people who are negative, it will have an effect on you.
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. – Ephesians 5:15-16 ESV
The Thoughts You’re Thinking Now Are Influencing Your Future is an article that provides insight into how your current attitude and self-worth are rooted in your thought life.
Follow Your Passion
Turning your focus to something that energizes you and brings you joy is a way to be patient with other areas of your life. One way to bring passion and zest into your life is to step into your unique and true purpose for your life specifically.