Why Am I Always Irritable?
CONVERSATIONS:
“One of the greatest illusions of our day is the hurrying will buy us more time.”
-John Ortberg
1. God always walked.
And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day. . . Genesis 3:8
But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified . . .But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying ‘Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.
Matthew 14: 26-27
What do you think walking symbolizes?
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Imagine God, the most powerful and mighty being in all the universe, walking. If He is all this, why would He need to walk?
When God walks, it doesn’t mean that He isn't powerful or mighty; it means that He is even MORE than we think he is. Let’s look at this verse:
Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me. Psalm 139: 7-10
God can be anywhere, anytime. He just CHOOSES to walk because He knows how to take His time.
2. Jesus never hurried.
And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. And Simon and those who were with him searched for him, and they found him and said to him, ‘Everyone is looking for you.’ And he said to them, ‘Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out.’ And he went throughout all Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons. Mark 1: 35-39
With such a great mission ahead of him, why do you think that Jesus never hurried?
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Jesus never hurried in carrying out his mission on earth. He would oftentimes be found disappearing from his disciples and large crowds just to pray to the Father. Even during the times when his disciples (and even Mary and Joseph at one point) would go off looking for him, he would never seem irritated or in a haste to leave.
Jesus only preached for three years, and in one area of the world. Yet thousands of years later, the Gospel still continues to penetrate all over the earth.
3. The essence of love is patience.
When are you usually impatient? What are the triggers that usually make you impatient?
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Love is patient, love is kind . . . 1 Corinthians 13: 4
If you notice in the Scripture above, patience is the first definition of love. Not the second, not the third… the first! I used to wonder what Paul, the writer of this book, was trying to imply by choosing to list down patience first. And then it hit me—patience is the first telltale sign of love. How do you know if this person loves you and vice versa? Patience.
What is one thing you can commit to doing this week in order to be more patient?
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Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for Your powerful Word.
We pray that we fall out of believing this hurrying myth and instead focus our attention to fully maximizing the present You have given us. May we cherish the present as it is a gift from You. Create in me a patient heart, O God, a heart that is open to loving even those who are difficult to love.
Today, I commit to _________________________________.
Dedicating more of my time to making lasting memories, instead of running after deadlines,
Being more patient with the people around me, as You have been patient with me,
Lastly, asking what it is You need from me presently, instead of what is needed for tomorrow.
Lord, I acknowledge that I am still a working project…one that You will be the one to complete when the day comes. I trust that as I continue to seek You, You will make me more patient, more loving, like You.
In Jesus name. Amen.
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