DAILY BREAD READING (Published Daily by Our Daily Bread Ministries)
APRIL 12, 2026
READ: Joel 2 (Focus)12-18
MEMORY VERSE
“[The Lord] is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love.” Joel 2:13
BACKGROUND
“Slow television” is the term used to describe marathon coverage of an event, typically shown in real time.
The genre gained popularity in 2009 after the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation broadcast a seven-hour train journey. Yes, seven hours, on a train. Sounds . . . boring. But it’s gained an audience that finds the scenic ride mesmerizing.
The concept behind slow TV is to show something at the rate it’s experienced instead of the speed with which a narrative drama is told. It’s built around transition and movement instead of tension and plot. Slow TV is a step toward savoring life’s minutes as opposed to counting them.
The poet Francis Thompson wrote of God’s “unperturbed pace.” Thompson meant that God moves methodically, patiently, with steps measured and intentional. We see this slowness even with God’s emotions.
In Scripture, the prophet Joel’s call for the people of Judah to repent is grounded in the reality that our God is “slow to anger” (Joel 2:13). Unlike our dramatic narratives, often fueled by tempers and flying-off-the-handle selfishness, God takes a different approach.
His anger arrives slowly. To a people who had rebelled against Him, God says, “Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God” (v. 13).
God’s anger isn’t like ours. He’s slow to anger, a reality that allows us to return to Him with all our hearts.
John Blase
INSIGHT
The prophet Joel warns Judah of the coming “day of the Lord,” a dreadful, fearful time of judgment upon God’s people for their unfaithfulness (Joel 1:15; 2:1, 11, 31; 3:14, 18). But for those who “[call] on the name of the Lord” (2:32), this day will be a day of salvation and deliverance.
God invites Judah, “return to me with all your heart” (v. 12). Joel says that sincere repentance may change God’s mind about sending such discipline (v. 14) because He’s “merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He is eager to relent and not punish” (v. 13 nlt).
Earlier in their history, against the backdrop of the great sin of idolatry (Exodus 32), God had similarly revealed Himself as “the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness . . . forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin” (34:6-7).
God invites everyone to “rend your heart and . . . return to the Lord” (Joel 2:13).
K.T. Sim
APPLICATION
When and how has God seemed to move slowly in your life? Why is He slow to anger and quick to be compassionate?
PR’s (Pastor Richard) RE-EMPHASIS (From Today’s Post)
“God moves methodically, patiently, with steps measured and intentional. We see this slowness even with God’s emotions… His anger isn’t like ours. He’s slow to anger, a reality that allows us to return to Him with all our hearts.”
PR’s TAKE
“But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”
2 Peter 3:8-9
“For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.” Isaiah 57:15
PRAYER
“Dear God, You’re slow to anger, and I’m ever thankful.”
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
*“GOD OF ALL ETERNITY” Fernando Ortega * Justin Unger*
You spoke, and the darkness surrendered to light
The Angels in chorus rejoiced at the sight
Most amazing story
Eden filled with glory
Leaped into form at the Makers delight
Wild things of sea, restless clouds come, then go
Winter to spring, mountain streams overflow
Providence attends it
Who can comprehend it?
All of creation gives praise to the Lord
To the only God of all be Glory,
He reigns with mercy and strength
Who was, and is and evermore shall be
The God of all Eternity
Satan deceived, Eve and Adam were cursed
Soon there would be a most glorious reverse
Jesus our salvation
Born of humble station
Our God became flesh to redeem this world
Of’ring his body, a ransom for sin
Dying, then rising, He’s coming again
Since our God is for us
Who can stand against us?
His love that holds us will never end
