[Written by Josh Davis]
To begin, here are a few questions for you to ponder, reflect on, journal about:
As you think about your own soul in this Advent season, what is that you desire for God to work in you, to bring you, to give you?
What would it look like for you to bring that desire before God today? And to make space for that longing?
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. 23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. [Romans 8:18-25]
As you listen to the sounds of your soul, is there a groaning inside you anywhere? Is there a longing that has yet to be fulfilled or satisfied? I invite you to pay attention to that longing, even if it is uncomfortable. Could it be that what you desire and long for is actually found in God alone?
I have always loved the word “esperar” in Spanish. That one word means both “to wait” and “to hope.” You can’t have one without the other.
If you are like me, you don’t like to wait. Waiting can be uncomfortable, boring, frustrating, etc. However, when I see waiting as an opportunity for hope, then, I start to understand why GOD doesn’t mind it so much if I have to wait. Hope is valuable to GOD. God is the GOD of hope.
As you long, do you wait with hopelessness or with hope? HOPE is the expectation of good, while FEAR is the expectation of evil. Your past experiences may give you legitimate reasons to expect evil in your future. God, God’s character, and God’s promises are legitimate reasons for you to expect good.
For further reflection:
As you listen to this song by Proskuneo, pay attention to the connection between waiting and hoping – and consider what that means for the longings of your soul today.
A blessing for you:
Today, because of who God is, may you groan, may you long, and may you wait with HOPE.