Advent Devotional - December 19

Isaiah 40:31

but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength,
    they shall mount up with wings like eagles,
they shall run and not be weary,
    they shall walk and not faint.

reflection

I rarely feel like enough. I am acutely aware of the ways I could be working harder, achieving more, getting fitter, eating better and being kinder. I set myself up to fail.
 
This may sound familiar — we all live in a culture and a time that valorizes self-deprecation and struggle. We measure our worth by how busy we are, and how tired. Social media encourages FOMO, the fear of missing out, with constant reminders of everyone that didn’t invite us to a party or of that new project we could be undertaking. We’re seeking, constantly, to do enough work and be liked by enough people. It’s exhausting!
 
In a world full of so many temptations, pressures and discouraging messages, it can feel impossible to truly be enough. This scripture passage shows us the way.
 
When we draw our strength from God, we can move forward without exhaustion. When we measure our value by what God tells us about ourselves, which is that we are truly and abundantly enough, we are able to find our satisfaction from within. When we run, walk, and soar with our sights set on God’s hope for our lives, we gain the power to find contentment and joy instead of unrelenting self-doubt. When we seek connection and love rather than approval from others, we let God into our relationships. The hope of advent is not just that God makes us strong. God also lets us rest.

prayer

Abundant God, please help me remember that because you love me, I am already worthy. Give me strength to walk, run and soar without weariness as I seek to fulfill Your work in the world. And God, please let me rest as I await the jubilee of Christmas; may I not grow anxious but instead abide in the comfort of Your presence. Amen.

about the author

Audrey White teaches junior high Sunday school at PHPC and is part of the Nicaragua Mission Team and the Race (Still) Matters committee. Audrey grew up at the church and still has trouble remembering to call it Founder's Hall — but hopes to see you there for Worship at Five!

today's act of kindness

Give out compliments today with abandon!