Advent Reflections
Waiting in Scripture
by Juliann Walton
Daily Lectionary Readings for December 3: AM Psalm 119:1-24; PM Psalm 12, 13, 14; Isaiah 2:1-11; 1 Thessalonians 2:13-20; Luke 20:19-26
Let me begin by saying that I like to see things very simply. I like summaries, bullet points, bottom lines.
Advent simply is a time of waiting. We can share in the ancient world’s longing for the Messiah. We can experience our current world’s alertness for His second coming. We can focus on His coming now into our hearts.
Today’s readings very simply teach us how to focus on Christ’s coming now into our hearts: being in God’s Word and prayer.
Psalm 119 is a repetitive meditation on the beauty of God’s Word and how it helps us stay pure and grow in faith. Hiding God’s Word in our heart is inviting God into our heart. In the Bible, we have God’s very words to us. How better to get to know someone than to listen to his words? Reading God’s words becomes a personal experience, one person to another.
In 1 Thessalonians, Paul said that the Word of God continues to work in the lives of believers, that it has transforming power. As we read and meditate on Scripture, not only do we get to intimately learn who God is, but we are opening ourselves up to allow His transforming power to be at work in us.
Psalm 13 is an example of David pouring his heart out to God in deep despair. David’s prayers were not always well thought out, beautifully articulated words. His prayers were often heart wrenching cries of raw emotion. He was a very real person talking to a very real and intimate God. David was faithful to God and wholeheartedly trusted him, but he still felt the pressure of his problems as much as anyone. David’s despair at the beginning of the psalm turns to: “But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the Lord’s praises, for he has been good to me.” David’s prayers serve as wonderful examples for us to follow.
May your Advent season be filled with active waiting. May Scripture and prayer fill your heart with more of His Presence.
