“The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness….”

(Ex. 34: 6 NIV)

“Hold your horses!” Though I did not understand the phrase, I did know Mother intended me to settle-down-and-be-patient. I still struggle with patience, but God does not. It is part of His essence as well as His Son’s and His Holy Spirit’s.

God described His essence when He spoke to Moses on Mt Sinai. Then the LORD came down in the cloud and stood there with him and proclaimed His name, the LORD. And He passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness…” (Ex. 34:5-6 NIV). These qualities set God apart from the false gods of the Egyptians. Moses must have marveled at this description, as I do now.

King David described his heavenly Father in his lament as a “… compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness” (Ps. 86:15 NIV). David surely relied upon those qualities as he approached God in prayer. Imagine David falling prostrate beseeching Him, “Listen, LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. Protect my life, for I am faithful. You are my God; save Your servant who trusts in You.”  I have been there, prostrate before God. Have you? We can rest in confidence that He will respond to us with patience, compassion, love, and faithfulness.

Father, thank you for reminding me through Your Word that you are compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in love and faithfulness. This calms my heart. Remind me often when I come to you in prayer. 

Linda Lesniewski