[ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Louis Giglio is a highly regarded pastor, writer, and speaker, based out of Atlanta. This reflection is taken from his book “Waiting Here for You: An Advent Journey of Hope” (Nov 28 entry).]
Isaiah 30:15b, 18b:
In repentance and rest is your salvation, and quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it. Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion for the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!
It’s easy to bail on God at the first sign of trouble. It’s easy to fret, worry, make new plans, and settle for shortcuts. But there is another way – the quiet way of rest and trust. During this Advent journey, keep making the confident decision to choose God’s way. Say “no” to anything and everything that promises the peace that only He can bring. Guard your heart from any voice that offers a “quick fix.” Instead, say, “Jesus, I want to wait on you.”
The best things in life take time. And the payoff of doing things God’s way is always better. But the enemy is crafty and determined to deceive us, shouting that the “wait” we endure is a sign that God is not good. Stay the course. Don’t give in today. Choose the path that leads to life and hang onto the hope that Jesus outshines everything that glitters in this world.
Creator of the Stars of Night
Creator of the stars of night,
Thy people’s everlasting light:
O Christ, Redeemer, save us all
And hear Thy servants when they call.
Thou grieving that the Ancient curse
Should doom to death a universe,
Hast found the healing, full of grace,
To cure and save our ruined race.
O Thou, whose coming is with dread
To judge the living and the dead,
Preserve us from the ancient foe
While still we dwell on earth below.
An Advent Blog 