December 10, Wednesday, Advent: Isaiah 40: 25-31

There is so much wonderfulness in this passage. Christmas is a beautiful time of the year that brings excitement, togetherness, celebration, and travel. It is a time of reflection and gratitude, as well as a time of joy. Within this joy, there is the pain of loss and stress. You just can’t ignore it. It is there as a travelling companion, and no amount of cookie dough and wrapping can mask the emotions that come with this time of the year.

I spent time processing a conversation with a loved one that I decided not to overthink, worry about, or form opinions about. I just kept saying, “I trust you, God.” I went to bed with prayer and woke up with prayer. I think that is why this passage meant so much to me.

²⁵ “To whom will you compare me?
    Or who is my equal?” says the Holy One.
²⁶ Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens:
    Who created all these?
He who brings out the starry host one by one
    and calls forth each of them by name.
Because of his great power and mighty strength,
    not one of them is missing.

²⁷ Why do you complain, Jacob?
    Why do you say, Israel,
“My way is hidden from the Lord;
    my cause is disregarded by my God”?
²⁸ Do you not know?
    Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
    the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
    and his understanding no one can fathom.
²⁹ He gives strength to the weary
    and increases the power of the weak.
³⁰ Even youths grow tired and weary,
    and young men stumble and fall;
³¹ but those who hope in the Lord
    will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
    they will run and not grow weary,
    they will walk and not be faint.

I highlighted the verse that brought comfort, a reminder of the divine presence in our lives. God sees each of us and our journey, recognizing the struggles we face and the joys we experience along the way. He does not grow tired or weary, always there to lend an ear and provide guidance when we need it most. In moments of uncertainty and anxiety, I also find peace in knowing that His understanding can take care of the things that are beyond my control, offering solace in times of distress. Trusting in His wisdom allows me to release my burdens, knowing that I am not alone on my path. “I trust you, God,” I whisper in hopes that my faith will lead me through the challenges ahead, wrapping me in His unwavering love and support.

Today, as we navigate our challenges, how can we find the strength to soar on wings like eagles? Even when exhaustion weighs us down, how can we keep pressing forward in the race ahead, holding onto the assurance that we can trust Him in all things, even when the path seems obscured by the evidence of our reality?

Dear Jesus, in moments of uncertainty and fatigue, grant us the strength to rise above our struggles. Help us to trust in Your guidance, even when the way forward seems dim. Fill our hearts with hope and courage, reminding us that with You, we can overcome any obstacle. Let us feel Your presence lifting us as we navigate the journey ahead. Amen.

When I was a small child on a snow day, I would often take long walks in the woods behind my home, where the world seemed to transform into a winter wonderland. I was alone and treasured this time, embracing the serenity that surrounded me. One thing I found so peaceful and can still recall is lying in the snow and looking up at the vast sky, where the gentle snowfall blended with the clouds in a graceful dance. My Advent song this morning was a song about looking up to Jesus, seeing Him, and focusing all my thoughts and hopes on Him. The coldness on my back felt invigorating, the moving clouds reminded me of life’s fleeting moments, and the magnificent trees stood like ancient sentinels, whispering secrets of faith and hope. As I took a long, deep breath, the crisp air filled my lungs, bringing a sense of peace to my heart, mind, and bones. In those still moments, I could feel a connection to something greater. Jesus, help us look up and see you. May our eyes not be cast down, but lifted high to embrace the promise of your love and guidance that surrounds us every day.