Patience – Time to Reframe Thoughts and Feelings

St. Francis of Assisi gave us a formula for managing problems. “Where there is generosity and wisdom, there is neither fear nor ignorance. When there is patience and humility, there is neither anger nor frustration. Where there is peace and meditation, there is neither anxiety nor doubt." This formula produces thanksgiving. 

Patience combined with wisdom is the key for managing conflict that steals peace and serenity. Samson invariably reacted spontaneously to his emotions. He seemed unable to appraise other people’s attitude toward him or gage their retaliation for his acts of hostility.

 Patience provides time to reframe thoughts and feelings to evaluate if a response is appropriate or inadvisable. With patience and wisdom it’s entirely possible for consequences to be joyful rather than regretful. "A man who loves wisdom brings joy to himself and others" is a truth you can believe and trust from Proverbs 29:3. 

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The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps. The one who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool is reckless and careless. A man of quick temper acts foolishly.

~Proverbs 14:15-17 English Standard Version

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Accept God's Wisdom

When the virtues of patience and wisdom are absent in a person’s character, one bad choice paves the way for another. It’s comparable to impulsively lying and then attempting to cover up the lie with more deceit. When a relationship becomes saturated with distrust, healthy intimacy becomes nonexistent.

It appears patience and wisdom were absent in Samson’s character, which paved the way for making one bad choice after another while trying to stay ahead of disaster. When he set fire to his neighbor’s fields as a means of showing revenge, these men came looking for him to even the score. They killed his former wife and her father by burning down their house.

These tragedies were preventable had Samson asked God for wisdom and then patiently waited to receive it. Listen to Proverbs 19:11. “It’s wise to be patient and show who you are by forgiving others.” If you’re in a cycle of making bad choices, ask God for wisdom, patience and understanding. Then wait for God to answer.  

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To be wise you must first have reverence for the Lord. If you know the Holy One, you have understanding. Wisdom will add years to your life. You are the one who will profit if you have wisdom, and if you reject it, you are the one who will suffer.

~Proverbs 9:10-12 Good News Bible

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Healing the Wounds of Life

It's impossible to fight the battles of life without being wounded. Most wounds include hurt feelings resulting from arguments or conflicts. Whatever the cause of the wound, it takes time to heal, and this involves patience and endurance. God does not protect us from conflict but will give wisdom for managing it.

Samson modeled impatience and lack of wisdom as he struggled to deal with conflicts that constantly pursued him. On one occasion he hid in a cave, fearing for his life after impulsively taking out his revenge on the Philistine people who, as a group, were not responsible for his anger and rage.

What prevented Samson from acquiring patience and wisdom were his arrogance and pride. He failed to understand that to be truly wise, he would have to harness his intelligence and passions and then redirect them toward what God would bless. God's word informs us that fear of the Lord is a prerequisite for acquiring wisdom. May this be your ambition and desire. 

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 I myself will tend my sheep and give them a place to lie down in peace, says the Sovereign Lord. I will search for my lost ones who have strayed away, and I will bring them safely home again. I will bandage the injured and strengthen the weak.

~Ezekiel 34:15-16 New Living Translation

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