by P. Hulsey | Dec 31, 2014 | blog, I, M, TOPICS
MENTAL ILLNESS
DEFINITION: Mental illness is any impairment of an individual’s mental capacities that affects cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning. Synonyms are mental disease or mental disorder.
FACTS ABOUT MENTAL ILLNESS:
Causes of mental illness. Mental illness can be caused by infections, prenatal damage, substance abuse, brain injuries, and even poor nutrition. Heredity can make a person more susceptible to mental illness. Severe psychological trauma such as emotional or sexual abuse can also result in mental illness, as can post traumatic stress disorders. Some mental disorders are caused by Satan, as in the case of the Gadarene demoniac (Mark 5). Satan, of course, is behind all illness in the world including mental afflictions.
The range of mental illnesses. Mental illness can range from impairment caused by depression all the way to full-blown schizophrenia which may render a person totally dysfunctional.
The root cause of mental illness. As in all dysfunctions in the human body, mental illness exists in the world because of sin, but it is not necessarily the result of a person’s personal sin.
DEALING WITH MENTAL ILLNESS:
Determine the root cause of the mental illness. If it is a medical condition–a brain injury, birth defect, etc.–then the person may not be accountable for their behavior. If the mental illness is caused by unresolved issues, a person must be held responsible for their behavior and correct it. Read the account of King Nebuchadnezzar’s mental illness in Daniel chapter 4. His mental issues resulted from his spiritual condition and were corrected when he acknowledged the true God.
Acknowledge that God is greater than mental illness. What is impossible with man is possible with God (Luke 18:27).
Pray for forgiveness. If a mental condition is due to spiritual issues, repent of any transgressions and ask God for mental and emotional healing.
Seek God for healing. No matter what your mental condition, God’s power is greater. Jesus had and still has the power to heal mental illness. See the examples in Matthew 17:13-18 where a boy kept throwing himself in the fire and in Matthew 4:24 where lunatics received healing.
Use legitimate medical options. Legitimate medicines are a gift from God to aid in healing–both physical and mental. These should not be the first line of attack, however. Prayer for healing and deliverance should be made first and, if necessary, medical options used until the healing is manifested.
WHAT GOD’S WORD SAYS ABOUT MENTAL ILLNESS:
You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. (Isaiah 26:3)
Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits–who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. (Psalms 103:2-5)
Jesus replied, “What is impossible with men is possible with God.” (Luke 18:27)
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2)
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, (Philippians 2:5)
Read the account of Nebuchadnezzar’s mental illness and subsequent healing in Daniel chapter 4.
(See also “Mind And Thoughts” in this database.)
by P. Hulsey | Dec 31, 2014 | blog, I, TOPICS
INTEGRITY
DEFINITION: Integrity refers to the quality of possessing and steadfastly adhering to high moral principles and professional standards. Biblically, it refers to adhering to the standards set forth in God’s Word.
FACTS ABOUT INTEGRITY:
Your integrity affects your relationship with God. Psalms 24:3-5 describes a person of integrity and states that it is this type of person who will stand in God’s presence. If you refuse to adhere to the principles of the Word of God, how can you maintain a close relationship with Him?
Integrity determines your reputation. The general opinion that people hold regarding you is determined by whether or not you are a person of integrity.
“A good name” is a phrase that describes a person of integrity. According to the Bible, having a good name is better than possessing riches (Ecclesiastes 7:1; Proverbs 22:1).
“A person of character” also describes a person of integrity, meaning that they have positive qualities and a good, moral reputation.
It is easy to lose your integrity. Just one foolish act can ruin your reputation. The Bible warns:
“As dead flies give perfume a bad smell, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor” (Ecclesiastes 10:1).
DEALING WITH INTEGRITY:
If you are not a person of integrity, repent. Lack of integrity means that you have not been living up to the standards of God’s Word and that is sin. As in the case of all sin, this requires confession and repentance.
Immerse yourself in the Word of God and prayer. These will change your life and make you a person of high moral standards (Romans 12:1-2).
Ask forgiveness and make restitution. If your lack of integrity has affected other people, ask for forgiveness and make restitution if possible. For example, if you cheated on a business deal, ask forgiveness and make things right.
WHAT GOD’S WORD SAYS ABOUT INTEGRITY:
As long as I have life within me, the breath of God in my nostrils, my lips will not speak wickedness, and my tongue will utter no deceit. (Job 27:3-4)
Lord, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman,
who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the Lord, who keeps his oath even when it hurts, who lends his money without usury and does not accept a bribe against the innocent.(Psalm 15:1-5)
Though you probe my heart and examine me at night, though you test me, you will find nothing; I have resolved that my mouth will not sin. (Psalm 17:3)
The Lord has dealt with me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands he has rewarded me. For I have kept the ways of the Lord; I have not done evil by turning from my God. All his laws are before me; I have not turned away from his decrees. I have been blameless before him and have kept myself from sin. The Lord has rewarded me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in his sight. (Psalm 18:20-24)
Who may ascend the hill of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false. He will receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God his Savior. (Psalms 24:3-5)
May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope is in you. (Psalm 25:21)
Vindicate me, O Lord, for I have led a blameless life; I have trusted in the Lord without wavering. Test me, O Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; for your love is ever before me, and I walk continually in your truth. I do not sit with deceitful men, nor do I consort with hypocrites; I abhor the assembly of evildoers and refuse to sit with the wicked. I wash my hands in innocence, and go about your altar, O Lord, proclaiming aloud your praise and telling of all your wonderful deeds. I love the house where you live, O Lord, (Psalm 26:1-8)
But I lead a blameless life; redeem me and be merciful to me. (Psalm 26:11)
I know that you are pleased with me, for my enemy does not triumph over me. In my integrity you uphold me and set me in your presence forever. (Psalm 41:11-12)
The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out. (Proverbs 10:9)
The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity. (Proverbs 11:3)
The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in men who are truthful. (Proverbs 12:22)
Better a poor man whose walk is blameless than a fool whose lips are perverse. (Proverbs 19:1)
The righteous man leads a blameless life; blessed are his children after him. (Proverbs 20:7)
A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. (Proverbs 22:1)
Better a poor man whose walk is blameless than a rich man whose ways are perverse. (Proverbs 28:6)
A good name is better than fine perfume… (Ecclesiastes 7:1)
As dead flies give perfume a bad smell, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor. (Ecclesiastes 10:1)
He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8)
So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man. (Acts 24:16)
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God–this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:1-2)
Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. (2 Corinthians 4:2)
For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men. (2 Corinthians 8:21)
Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free. (Ephesians 6:6-8)
In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us. (Titus 2:7-8)
Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way. (Hebrews 13:18)
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it–he will be blessed in what he does. (James 1:22-25)
by P. Hulsey | Dec 31, 2014 | blog, I, TOPICS
INSOMNIA
DEFINITION: Insomnia is difficulty in sleeping, an inability to fall asleep or remain asleep long enough to feel properly rested.
FACTS ABOUT INSOMNIA:
There are varied causes for insomnia. Some common causes are illness, pain, certain medications, grief, worry, regret, a poor sleeping environment, or demonic torment. Caffeine and eating big meals before bedtime may also cause difficulty in sleeping.
Insomnia can be spiritual. The young Samuel was awakened by God to receive a divine revelation (1 Samuel 3:9-11). The Lord may wake you up to give you a revelation or to have you intercede for someone.
Much insomnia is caused by worry over the future or regret over the past. Real rest comes
when you believe God is sovereign over both the past and the future. Forget yesterdays, and do not fret about tomorrow.
Insomnia can be a faith crisis rather than a medical crisis. Sleep is actually the ultimate demonstration of faith where you release control to God as you rest in Him. You transition into a state where you are no longer trying to assert control and you leave all of your concerns in His hands.
The common treatment for insomnia is medication. Doctors prescribe sleeping aids, but this often does not get to the root of the problem. What is causing your insomnia?
DEALING WITH INSOMNIA:
Discover the root cause of your insomnia and deal with it.
-If it is due to illness or pain, seek healing from God and/or medical help.
-If the insomnia is caused by medication, ask the doctor to change the prescription.
-If you are worrying about the future or regretfully rehearsing the past–stop these thoughts the minute they enter your mind. Rebuke them in the name of Jesus!
-If you are fearful, know that the One who keeps watch over you never sleeps (Psalm 121:4).
-If you are wrestling with unforgiveness and bitterness, get rid of these. They not only will inhibit your sleep, they are sin!
-If you believe your insomnia is demonic, bind the spirit of sleeplessness and command it to go in the name of Jesus.
Prepare for sleep before you go to bed. Do not ingest caffeine or sugar-based treats right before bedtime. Do not eat a big meal right before going to bed. Do not deal with personal problems or bill-paying, watch stimulating programs on TV, or play video games. Listen to soft Christian music. Read a devotional book or the Bible. Prepare yourself for rest.
Create an environment conducive to sleep. Correct a poor sleeping environment. Turn off electronics and lights in the room. Make sure there is proper ventilation. If you are bothered by nearby noises, try running an electric fan to mask the sounds or playing recordings of soothing music or nature sounds. Some people opt for using earplugs.
Don’t medicate spiritual insomnia. What if Samuel had taken a sleeping pill and gone back to sleep? If you believe your insomnia is from the Lord, then pray for revelation or intercede as the Holy Spirit directs. This type of sleeplessness will not be tormenting or tiring. God will provide divine strength for any loss of sleep you experience.
Pray when you are ready to go to sleep. Ask God to give you a good night’s sleep. Jesus said to ask and you shall receive! James observed that you do not have because you do not ask (James 4:2). Claim biblical promises for sleep in the following list of references.
WHAT GOD’S WORD SAYS ABOUT INSOMNIA:
I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me. (Psalm 3:5)
I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. (Psalm 4:8)
I will praise the Lord who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. (Psalm 16:7)
By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is with me…(Psalm 42:8)
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. (Psalm 91:1)
In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat, for he grants sleep to those he loves. (Psalm 127:2)
… when you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. (Proverbs 3:24)
The sleep of a laborer is sweet, whether he eats little or much, but the abundance of a rich man permits him no sleep. (Ecclesiastes 5:12)
I sleep, but my heart is awake; It is the voice of my beloved! He knocks, saying, “Open for me, my sister, my love, My dove, my perfect one… (Song of Solomon 5:2)
So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matthew 6:31-34)
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)
by P. Hulsey | Dec 31, 2014 | blog, I, TOPICS
INFERIORITY
DEFINITION: Inferiority is a belief that you are not as good as or of less value than other people. You feel that you continuously fail to meet standards of quality, ability, or achievement. Inferiority is a lack of self-worth and self-respect.
FACTS ABOUT INFERIORITY:
Everyone feels inferior at times. Moses felt inferior for the task to which he was called (Exodus 3:11-12). Jeremiah felt too immature to fulfill God’s plan (Jeremiah 1:6-7). Gideon thought he was the least of all in the tribe of Israel (Judges 6:15). The great Apostle Paul confessed to weakness, fear, and trembling (1 Corinthians 2:3). The nation of Israel saw themselves as grasshoppers in the eyes of their powerful enemies (Numbers 13:33). Often, when you are out of the “comfort zone” of your environment, friends, and family, you may feel inferior or inept.
The causes of inferiority may include your physical appearance, your abilities, social adaptability, and the environment from which you come. Your parents may have instilled inferiority feelings through constant criticism. Continual failure can also breed feelings of inferiority–you just never seem to succeed like other people. Satan also causes feelings of inferiority, as he constantly brings accusations against God’s people (Revelation 12:10).
Fear is related to inferiority. The fear of others and the fear of failure contribute to inferiority. (See “Fear” in this database for guidelines on overcoming fear.)
Inferiority can lead to destructive behaviors. If you think you aren’t worth much, then it can lead to destructive behaviors such as sexual promiscuity, addictions, self-mutilation, etc.
Inferiority is a feeling. Faith is a fact. As a believer, you live by faith and not by feelings. You must, by faith, believe you are who God says you are rather than believe what your feelings dictate.
God does not accept inferiority as an excuse. When the prophet Jeremiah said he felt too immature to accomplish God’s purposes, the Lord rebuked him (Jeremiah 1:6-8).
DEALING WITH INFERIORITY:
Realize that you are created in the image of God. He created mankind in His image and declared His creation to be good. (Genesis 1;26-31).
See yourself as God sees you. If you are a believer, God sees you as a son or daughter, and a joint heir with Jesus Christ (Galatians 4:6-7). It is not self-esteem that should be your focus, rather it is Godlike esteem–who you are because of who He is within and through you.
Do not compare yourself to others. Many feelings of inferiority arise when you compare yourself to others. The Bible indicates this is not wise (2 Corinthians 10:12).
Live by faith and not by feeling. Romans 1:17 declares “For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”
Don’t dwell on your past. Do not focus on past failures to live up to your own expectations or those of others. God says: “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” (Isaiah 43:18-19).
Avoid friends who pull you down. Seek friends who encourage your efforts and accept you as you are–a work in progress.
Control your thoughts. Do not allow thoughts of inferiority to remain in your mind. When they try to enter, reject them immediately. (See “Mind And Thoughts” in this database for guidelines for controlling your thoughts.)
Confess sufficiency in God. Confess Philippians 4:13: “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” It is not who you are, but who you are in God that is important.
Learn from the lives of biblical characters who felt inferior. Moses, Gideon, Jeremiah, the Apostle Paul, and the nation of Israel are examples of people who had inferior feelings, yet rose above them to become mighty people of God. You can do the same!
WHAT GOD’S WORD SAYS ABOUT INFERIORITY:
Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? (Isaiah 43:18-19).
“Ah, Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am only a child.” But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am only a child.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord.” (Jeremiah 1:6-8)
For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith (not feeling). (Romans 1:17)
We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise. (2 Corinthians 10:12)
Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir. (Galatians 4:6-7)
I can do everything through him who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:13)
Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. (1 Timothy 4:12)
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. (1 Peter 2:9)
(See also “Self-Esteem” in this database.)
by P. Hulsey | Dec 31, 2014 | blog, I, TOPICS
INCEST
DEFINITION: Incest is sexual relations between close relatives..
FACTS ABOUT INCEST:
Incest is against the law in many nations. It is punishable by imprisonment and, in some societies, by death.
Incest is sin. Whether or not incest is considered illegal by the society in which you live or whether or not it is consensual, it is sin in God’s sight. Leviticus 18:6-18 is very clear about this.
Incest is abuse. Incest is abusive, with one person exercising sexual power over another. Such abuse results in many other problems. For example, sexually abused children often suffer from low self-image, are depressed, and harbor thoughts of suicide. Many run away from the abusive situation and get involved in addictions and other deviant sexual behaviors such as prostitution and homosexuality.
Incest can result in genetic disorders. Congenital disorders, birth defects, disabilities, and death are caused by inbreeding.
DEALING WITH INCEST:
If you are committing incest–stop it immediately. Admit it as sin and seek forgiveness from God and from the person against whom or with whom you committed this sin. As with all sin, forgiveness is available through Jesus Christ.
If you are presently a victim of incest–tell someone. Tell a trusted friend who can help you escape and/or confront the abuser. If you are underage, tell authorities who have the power to remove you from the situation. Do not be intimidated by family members who do not believe you or do not want you to reveal the truth.
If have been a victim of incest–forgive your abuser and ask God to heal you from the mental, emotional, and physical effects of the abuse. God has promised to heal the brokenhearted (Psalm 147:3). If you were a victim, the incest was not your fault. You were forced to do something degrading and your are not responsible for the wrong that was done to you.
Turn to God’s Word and prayer for comfort, healing, and deliverance. Make these practices part of your everyday life. Whether you were a victim of incest or a perpetrator of it, prayer and the Word will heal your pain and change your life.
WHAT GOD’S WORD SAYS ABOUT INCEST:
No one is to approach any close relative to have sexual relations. I am the Lord. Do not dishonor your father by having sexual relations with your mother. She is your mother; do not have relations with her. Do not have sexual relations with your father’s wife; that would dishonor your father. Do not have sexual relations with your sister, either your father’s daughter or your mother’s daughter, whether she was born in the same home or elsewhere. Do not have sexual relations with your son’s daughter or your daughter’s daughter; that would dishonor you.
Do not have sexual relations with the daughter of your father’s wife, born to your father; she is your sister. Do not have sexual relations with your father’s sister; she is your father’s close relative. Do not have sexual relations with your mother’s sister, because she is your mother’s close relative. Do not dishonor your father’s brother by approaching his wife to have sexual relations; she is your aunt. Do not have sexual relations with your daughter-in-law. She is your son’s wife; do not have relations with her. Do not have sexual relations with your brother’s wife; that would dishonor your brother. Do not have sexual relations with both a woman and her daughter. Do not have sexual relations with either her son’s daughter or her daughter’s daughter; they are her close relatives. That is wickedness. Do not take your wife’s sister as a rival wife and have sexual relations with her while your wife is living. (Leviticus 18:6-18)
If a man marries his sister, the daughter of either his father or his mother, and they have sexual relations, it is a disgrace. They must be cut off before the eyes of their people. He has dishonored his sister and will be held responsible. (Leviticus 20:17)
It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that does not occur even among pagans: A man has his father’s wife. And you are proud! Shouldn’t you rather have been filled with grief and have put out of your fellowship the man who did this? Even though I am not physically present, I am with you in spirit. And I have already passed judgment on the one who did this, just as if I were present. When you are assembled in the name of our Lord Jesus and I am with you in spirit, and the power of our Lord Jesus is present, hand this man over to Satan, so that the sinful nature may be destroyed and his spirit saved on the day of the Lord. (1 Corinthians 5:1-5)
by P. Hulsey | Dec 31, 2014 | blog, I, TOPICS
IMPATIENCE
DEFINITION: Impatience is defined as annoyance with aggravating circumstances or people. Patience, the opposite of impatience, is the ability to cheerfully bear an unbearable situation or person.
FACTS ABOUT IMPATIENCE:
Patience, the opposite of impatience, is referred to as longsuffering, perseverance, and endurance in various translations of the Bible.
God mandates that you have patience. You are to be longsuffering (patient) with joyfulness (Colossians 1:11). You are called to be longsuffering (Ephesians 4:2). You are to preach the Word of God with longsuffering (2 Timothy 4:2) and put on longsuffering as a spiritual quality (Colossians 3:12). Many verses in Proverbs extol the benefits of patience (Proverbs 14:29; 15:18; 16:32; 19:2,11; 15:18).
The Bible provides positive examples of patience. God is depicted as being patient and longsuffering in the following verses: Exodus 34:6; Numbers 14:18; Psalms 86:15; Romans 2:4. Patience was a quality evident in the ministry of the Apostle Paul (2 Timothy 3:10). James refers to the patience of the prophets and the long-suffering Job (James 5:10-11).
Impatience leads to wrong responses. Angry, hurtful words and actions often result from impatience.
When you are impatient with God, you are not trusting His timing and will for your life. Abraham became impatient and birthed Ishmael of his own flesh and created problems that last to this day. King Saul became impatient because Samuel didn’t arrive on time, acted in haste, and it cost him the kingdom. What will impatience cost you?
Patience is a hallmark of true love. First Corinthians 13:4 states that true love is patient.
Patience is developed through tribulations As you learn to develop patience in difficulties, it sets in motion an important spiritual process so that you can …”glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us” (Romans 5:3-5, KJV).
You are to make an effort to develop patience. 2 Peter 1:5-8 mandates: “For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
DEALING WITH IMPATIENCE:
Ask God to forgive your impatience. Since God’s Word mandates patience and long-suffering, then impatience is a sinful response to annoying people and circumstances. When you are impatient with God, you are not trusting His timing and will for your life.
Ask God to manifest the Fruit of the Holy Spirit in your life. One of the Fruit is long-suffering (patience): “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23).
Develop self-control through spiritual growth. “For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:5-8).
Identify and correct annoying circumstances. Some circumstances that trigger impatience can be corrected. Analyze the circumstances to see if there is a way to correct annoying situations so that you won’t be tempted to be impatient. For example, if constant interruptions by the phone annoy you when you are working, let your calls go to voice mail. Set a certain time to return all calls after you are done working. Practical solutions to irritations like this can eliminate many annoying circumstances in life.
Forgive annoying people that contribute to your impatience responses. “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you” (Colossians 3:12-13).
Take time to think before you speak or act. Is what you are about to say or do representative of a true believer or is it a response arising out of impatience?
WHAT GOD’S WORD SAYS ABOUT IMPATIENCE:
Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways,when they carry out their wicked schemes. (Psalm 37:7)
I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.(Psalm 40:1-2)
A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly. (Proverbs 14:29)
A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel. (Proverbs 15:18)
Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city. (Proverbs 16:32)
It is not good to have zeal without knowledge, nor to be hasty and miss the way. (Proverbs 19:2)
A man’s wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense. (Proverbs 19:11)
The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride. Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools. (Ecclesiastes 7:8-9)
And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. (Romans 5:3-5, KJV)
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. (Romans 12:12)
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. (1 Corinthians 13:4)
Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; (2 Corinthians 6:3-7)
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23)
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. (Ephesians 4:1-2)
And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully. (Colossians 1:10-11)
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. (Colossians 3:12-13)
And we urge you, brothers, warm those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. (1 Thessalonians 5:14)
But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. (1 Timothy 6:11,NKJV)
Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage–with great patience and careful instruction. (2 Timothy 4:2)
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. (Hebrews 12:1,NKJV)
Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. (James 5:7-8)
Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. (James 5:10-11)
But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. (1 Peter 2:20-21)
For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 1:5-8)
