What if the God you were taught to fear is far more patient than you ever imagined? A lot of us carry around this idea of God as someone with a short fuse—quick to judge, faster to punish. But when you look closely at scripture, that picture falls apart.
God didn’t lead with power or wrath when he introduced himself to Moses. He said he’s “long-suffering.” In Hebrew, that phrase points to a “long nose”—a strange image unless you know what it means. When we’re angry, we breathe fast through our noses. But someone slow to anger takes deep, steady breaths. That’s the kind of patience God claims for himself.
Psalm 103:8 says it plainly: “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.” The patience is wrapped in mercy, start to finish.
That context changes how we read “The Lord is my shepherd” in Psalm 23. He’s not hovering with a rod, waiting for us to slip up. He’s not that kind of Shepherd. He’s more like a grandfather who lets the kids sneak another handful of candy just because he enjoys their company. He’s not keeping a scorecard of your mess-ups—he’s ready to forgive before you even ask.
The truth is that we tend to project our own baggage onto God. We think he’s like the impatient boss, the harsh parent, the exasperated teacher. But he’s not. He’s the father in the story of the prodigal son, watching the road, hoping to see you coming home, not so he can say, “I told you so,” but so he can throw his arms around you.
God has let you make your choices—even the ones that hurt you. He didn’t stop loving you. He’s never stopped waiting.
So today, ask yourself honestly: What if your Shepherd really is that patient? What would change if you stopped fearing his disappointment and started trusting his mercy?
God isn’t who many of us were told he is. He’s far more kind, more patient, and more ready to welcome you than you think.
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