Patient Submission

We lose our self‑control every time we give way to impatience, but we are kept in peace, and are master of ourselves and of our circumstances, when we preserve the spirit of patient submission. Impatience is the spirit of pride that is discontented with what we have, or with what we have not. Such a spirit is no longer under the control of reason or religion, but like a wild moorland pony becomes vicious and unmanageable, having returned to its own undisciplined state of self‑will. If we bear with patient submission the irritations and disturbances of life, they cease to irritate us and they soon lose their distressing character. On the other hand our rebellious will can work them up into intolerable evils. For it is in the will and not in the feelings that calm, and confidence exists, and the submissive will can maintain its rest in the midst of the most acute sufferings. For "thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed upon thee: because he trusteth in thee." (Isa.26:3)

It would appear from our inward resentment of trouble sometimes, as if we were faultless in all our ways, and that we were suffering some gross injustice at the hands of God. Let us remember our many transgressions, our apathy for righteousness, our proneness to evil, and admit that God’s judgments are true and righteous altogether. Others may treat us unjustly or injure us in seeking their own selfish ends; but we are still in God’s hands, and He is the great first cause in every detail of our lives. We need these trials that we may be perfect, but if the selection of them was left to us, how gently we should treat ourselves, and with what laxity we should excuse our conduct. But God is too loving to allow us to perish in our own weakness, and brings upon us many things that our cowardly hearts would gladly avoid. So that what we would never have the courage to ask for directly we can accept in patient submission from the hand of God as unavoidable, and as a very needed correction of our many failures.

Our Lord Jesus, meek and lowly in heart, gave us an example by His life of true patient submission to God in all things. The proud around Him were always lofty, impatient, and ready to take offence. He patiently bore the contradiction of sinners, their insults, their contempt, that His Father’s will might be perfected in Him. Have we not such an incentive? Is the servant above his master in this respect? If we sincerely despise ourselves we shall not mind the contempt of others. If we are not looking for any praise, we shall not feel hurt when we are passed by. Truly this does not come naturally to our human spirit. But when we remember the Lord of glory, who alone in heaven or on earth was found worthy, yet who humbled Himself to the death of the cross; this pours contempt on all our pride. Let this inspire in us true patient submission, in which our will consents, and our heart agrees, and in which it is our desire and our aim to glorify God.

Forest Gate Monthly