Above Only Devotional Monday 2nd March 2020 *The Role of Joy and Patience in Waiting upon God*

Above Only Devotional
Monday 2nd March 2020

*The Role of Joy and Patience in Waiting upon God*

James 1:2-4 (CEV) My friends, be glad, even if you have a lot of trouble. You know that you learn to endure by having your faith tested. But you must learn to endure everything, so that you will be completely mature and not lacking in anything.

Isaiah 40:29-31 (LB) He gives power to the tired and worn out, and strength to the weak. Even the youths shall be exhausted, and the young men will all give up. But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

There are times that in-between when we receive and pray in line with God’s Word and promise, we will have to wait for a while. During this time of waiting God wants us to be patient and joyful. Patience is the nature of God in us that propels us to endure, persist and persevere in every circumstance just like God. It is our ability to bear up under any circumstance, no matter how long it takes. Joy on the other hand is the nature of God in us that makes us to rejoice and be glad in God, both in our good and our trying times. Our joy is fueled by our revelation of who God is and how great His love is for us. Something great happens to us as we remain patient and joyful as we wait upon God for the manifestation of His Word and promises concerning us. There is a kind of glorious building and maturing of our character that takes place to prepare us for what God is bringing our way.

Romans 5:3-5 (LB) says, “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us – they help us learn to be patient. And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady. Then, when that happens, we are able to hold our heads high no matter what happens and know that all is well, for we know how dearly God loves, us, and we feel this warm love everywhere within us because God has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” Our knowledge of God’s will makes us strong, patient and joyful in all situations. Col. 1:9-12. Abraham did not stagger at the promises of God. Rather, he was strong in faith giving glory to God, Rom. 4:20. Joy and patience are part of the fruit of the Spirit, Gal. 5:22.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank You for the grace that You have given me to be patient and joyful as I wait upon You. I worship You and I rejoice in You.

Bible in one year reading plan: Numbers 26-28, Mark 8.