Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.
Proverbs 16:32 (NIV)
Father I live in a world where the concept of more drives so much. In almost every aspect of my life I feel like I want more. I want more money, more vacation, more house, more car, more job (with less work), more respect, more stuff, more. When I look at what I have and compare it to what I want, there is something in me that desires more. And in many areas I am doing what I can to get that more. Like on my job. I can often find myself spending hours working in order to do a good job (You do require that of me after all), and be in line for that raise or promotion. More. And once I get that role, what I find is that it requires more of my time, more of my attention, more of me. And when I look back at where I am versus where I was, the more is not necessarily better.
There is so much wisdom in this proverb. You are showing me the power of patience and the wisdom of waiting on You. How many times have I attained what I have striven for (taken the city), and once I have it be overwhelmed by what it takes to keep it? Or have fought hard to get somewhere (warrior) and paid a price in relationships, health or peace that I would not have had to pay had I just waited patiently on You and Your timing?
Father, today I pray for godly discernment. In the midst of my overwhelming life show me what I can truly put off for tomorrow, knowing and trusting that You have my back. Get me beyond the mindset of trying to discern which proverbial hills I’m willing to die on and compel me to wait upon You, knowing You will renew my strength (Isaiah 40:3ff), trusting that the battle is not mine, but Yours (2 Chronicles 20:15). Help me to properly set my priorities – You first, others second, and then myself. And remind me that the things of this world are fleeting. Change my “more” into “enough” and my pursuit into contentment.
In all areas of my life, Father, I want to be compelled to wait on You and the movement of Your Spirit, to lead me and guide me into Your peace. Calm my nerves. Remove my anxiety. Comfort me in my lack. Remind me that You are enough, my soul’s sufficiency. For godliness with contentment is great gain (1 Timothy 6:6). In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.