A Hope Eternal - Advent DevotionalSample

In the clutter and chaos of the coming Christmas season, in the press of a world gone awry, confronted on every side by distress, discontent, and disruption, we feel overwhelmed, worn thin, and weary. We are tempted to lock the door, climb into bed, and pull the covers over our heads to escape the barrage. We know that such behavior ultimately will not help. So, we plod through our days exhausted and joyless.

Until … until, like Isaiah, we remember God. A powerful God who fashioned the universe out of nothing. A creative God who measures the oceans in the palm of His hand. A sovereign God who rules with justice. A caring God who levels mountains and fills valleys. A generous God who gave us His only Son. A gentle God who deeply loves His children. A mighty God who conquers evil. An everlasting God who longs to welcome us into eternity.

When we step aside to be with God, wait in His calm and quiet presence, and recognize who He is, hope stirs in our hearts. He is the One who enables us to confront the daily challenges of this world. He strengthens, empowers, renews, revives, and reinvigorates us. Not just to walk but to run. Not just to get to the end of another day but to soar with joy. We are not alone in this battle: God is with us. God is for us. God is within us.

We cannot imagine, we cannot conceive of, we cannot anticipate the full complexity of life, but God can. God knows. When we put our confidence and hope in God and wait for God’s direction, we find the best path through the darkness. His yoke is easy. His burden is light. We find we can move forward in God’s strength. We do not feel faint any longer—we feel energized. We do not feel weary—we feel excited.

Not in our strength. Not by ourselves. But in accord with our Lord and Savior, in the strength of the Body of Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit. We will face each day with joy and strength. We will see God at work in our lives, communities, and world.

Prayer

Almighty God, help us step aside from the world’s clamor and spend time in Your precious presence. Help us to see things from Your perspective, hear Your voice, and trust and follow You alone. Remind us of Your unfailing, everlasting love. Lead us beside still waters in paths of righteousness that we may serve You all the days of our lives. Amen.

Esther Gillie, D.Min., serves as the dean of Regent University Library and adjunct faculty member for the Regent University School of Divinity.