It’s Smart to Be Patient - Daily Hope with Rick Warren - January 3, 2020
When life's circumstances demand quick decisions, it's crucial to slow down and seek objective truth. By being patient and taking the time to consider all facts, you can avoid making impulsive choices that lead to regret and instead make wise, godly decisions that bring abundant understanding and peace.
Your life has an ebb and flow. Sometimes God wants you to move quickly, but sometimes he wants you to slow down. As Proverbs 14:29 says, “It’s smart to be patient” (CEV).
Today and tomorrow we’re going to look together at times when God wants you to slow down.
First, you should always move slowly when you don’t have all the facts. Our culture worships impulsiveness and spontaneity. It tells us that spur-of-the-moment, “gut” decisions are the right ones.
You’ve probably heard repeatedly to “follow your heart.” But the Bible tells us, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9 KJV).
Feelings often lead us in the wrong direction. You need to rely on truth outside of yourself.
The Bible is clear about that: “What a shame—yes, how stupid!—to decide before knowing the facts!” (Proverbs 18:13 TLB).
So when you don’t yet have all the facts, slow down. Don’t rely on your gut, your heart, or your feelings. Take the time to look for objective truth outside of yourself.
Another time to move slowly is when you’re hurt, angry, or depressed. When we’re upset, we tend to react and retaliate rather than acting wisely.
James 1:19 says, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” (NIV).
Do you see the rhythm in that verse? It says quick, slow, slow. If you’re quick to listen and slow to speak, you’ll automatically be slow to become angry. But if you’re slow to listen and quick to speak, you’ll be quick to become angry.
Proverbs 14:29 says, “Patience leads to abundant understanding, but impatience leads to stupid mistakes” (CEB).
Proverbs 15:28 says, “The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking” (NLT). In other words, godly people put their minds in gear before their mouths.
Proverbs 15:18 tells you what to do instead: “Losing your temper causes a lot of trouble, but staying calm settles arguments” (CEV).
Sometimes you’re going to feel angry, hurt, or depressed. That’s just part of life. But the next time that happens, slow down. Proverbs 15:18 says, “Losing your temper causes a lot of trouble, but staying calm settles arguments” (CEV).
Don’t make quick decisions that you’re going to regret.
And the same is true when you don’t have all the facts. Instead of just “following your heart,” take the time to slow down and make a careful decision.
For more Daily Hope with Rick Warren, please visit pastorrick.com!
Your Gift Brings Hope to the World
Transform your prayer life with God’s Word!
True breakthrough from the struggles of life begins with prayer—and there is no better place to start cultivating a powerful prayer life than the Bible.
Discover the biblical wisdom you need to transform the way you pray when you dive into this special collection of verses from God’s Word. You’ll be inspired and encouraged by Scripture as you learn to trust in his promises.
Drawing key verses from Pastor Rick’s "40 Days of Prayer" teaching series, this set of 52 beautifully designed cards will help you memorize God’s Word so you can access it when you need it most—and it’s our thanks for your gift today to help more people experience the transformative power of prayer through Daily Hope!
Thank you for helping share the hope of Jesus Christ. May you enjoy a time of breakthrough as you fill your heart and mind with the truth of Scripture.
*The USA IRS code permits you to deduct the amount of your financial gift to Daily Hope that exceeds the fair market value of “current offer” materials you received from Daily Hope.
