Waiting

Isaiah 40:9-11
⁹ You who bring good news to Zion,
    go up on a high mountain.
You who bring good news to Jerusalem,
    lift up your voice with a shout,
lift it up, do not be afraid;
    say to the towns of Judah,
    “Here is your God!”
¹⁰ See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power,
    and he rules with a mighty arm.
See, his reward is with him,
    and his recompense accompanies him.
¹¹ He tends his flock like a shepherd:
    He gathers the lambs in his arms
and carries them close to his heart;
    he gently leads those that have young.

Waiting. It doesn't matter if it's for a baby to come, or the check to arrive, or the doctor to call, or simply for the light to change. Waiting can be one of the most challenging things we do.

Isaiah's people were waiting, too. Their misery was justified: Jerusalem and the temple in ruins, the people exiled from their homeland, prayers seemingly unheard. They were waiting for some sign that God had not abandoned them, for something to give them hope. The prophet paints for them this picture: The Lord is coming. The Lord is strong, able to defeat every enemy. The Lord is gentle, ready to gather the people into his arms. Imagine what the future will be like! Take heart. It will come.

During times of waiting, we need words that give us something in which to believe. The next time you find yourself waiting, try breathing deeply. Imagine the Holy Spirit filling you with patience and peace. And trust that God's goodness will come.

(Published by Luther Seminary in their online Advent Devotional.)