Today’s passage is a word of encouragement and challenge to those who are struggling–centred around a strong description of God’s character.
Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!
Brothers and sisters, 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 count as 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.
Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple “Yes” or “No.” Otherwise you will be condemned.
Missional Faith 
Patience. If there is one thing I need it is patience. So often I find that the anxieties within my heart are brought about by longing. Not that longing is bad, but our longings can easily turn into idolatry. What I mean is that we can become fixated on the things we lack and eventually our thoughts and longing for that thing we lack take the place of God in our lives. When this happens it’s basically because we’ve convinced ourselves that real joy, and real peace, will finally come when we get that thing we long for.
I’ve discovered in my life that the more I think this way, the less patience I have with with others and with God. And the less patience I have with God, the more I start to see him as a God who is holding out on me and who does not give me what I think I deserve when in reality in his mercy he has already given me everything I need. It’s just that in my impatience for that thing I’m longing for, I so often miss him.
God help me live in such a way that my impatience for the things I long for do not replace my desire for you. Help me to see the blessings that I have in you today. Help me to slow down my soul, so that I can be content in all that you have provided for me today in your love. Amen.