PSALM OF PATIENCE

PSALM OF PATIENCE

Among our friends and family, we wait for you

we look out for your goodness to us in the congregation -

for you are a God of patience, who waits for us

you are the one who suffers, and stays beside us.

Why, my God, do you ask me to wait?

there isn't much time and I'm getting older!

You have more patience than I, for you are still older

you seem to keep saying “Be patient” while I'm in a hurry.

Help me to wait on you, while I am waiting

give me the patience of Job, to look for your goodness,

for what's a year of my life, if I gain what is good?

I can spare a few years more, if that's the right path;

in just a little time longer, I may be wiser

with only a little more waiting, I may find what I seek.

It's harder to trust in your Word and keep myself still

than to launch into words in my brain and keep myself talking!

Sometimes you say “Yes” to me, and sometimes “No”

but it's far more difficult to accept it, when you say “Wait.”

Grant me to learn your patience, to hope in you

then I may continue seeking, for you are so near.

I do not want to be waiting because I am bored

help me rather to watch for you in trust and hope.

For you are always pleased with those who seek

with those who wait on you for your gracious support.