Today’s Reflection
DURING ADVENT, the first season of the church year, we relive the story of Jesus, the wonder of how he came to be, the story of his birth. We don’t yet know what God has in store, but we trust God’s promises of righteousness, justice, and peace for our hurting world and our discouraged spirits. We live in the hope, that despite our current struggles, God has something good in store for us. Jesus, the hope of the world, is coming to an unsuspecting world.
—Beth A. Richardson, The Uncluttered Heart: Making Room for God During Advent and Christmas (Upper Room Books, 2009)
Today’s Question
How can you trust more deeply in God’s promises today? Share your thoughts.
Today’s Scripture
“Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
for he has looked favorably on his people and redeemed them.
He has raised up a mighty savior for us
in the house of his servant David.”
—Luke 1:68-69 (NRSV)
Prayer for the Week
Clear away the clutter, O God, that I might have more room for you.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.
Something More
Slow down, simplify, and add a burst of color to your Advent. The spiritual practice of coloring mandalas (circular designs), lighting candles, and praying regularly can help us stay centered on God during this busy time of year. Give it a try. Color as you pray this Advent season.
Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.
Sponsored by The Upper Room. Copyright © 2019 | PO Box 340004 | Nashville, TN 37203-0004 | USA
12 Comments
He is our Hope – deserving of our full trust. And when I feel like I am unable to summon up that trust – I ask Him to help me. He is the one who keeps me trusting Him.
I know His peace, am grateful for it and am sustained by it.
Yesterday was filled with evidence of Him – in the continued, ever evident praise of His Holy Name by so many in the cancer support group. How that fueled my soul. And then the simplicity, yet elegance of the hope and remembrance service. So many hurting people, and He counted the tears of each one in that sanctuary. And He welcomed those emotions, and walked out with each one of us. I am grateful for the church who hosted it – for the care team who comforted each of us and treated us with such tenderness. God gifts people so beautifully and His light shines through them.
May the Peace of God reside with each one here this second Advent week.
I can trust God cause He is faithful and good. As I experience more of His faithfulness and goodness each day, I can trust Him more.
As I serve God yesterday, leading the Bible study and playing the piano for the singing group, I know I can serve Him more as I rely on Him for wisdom and strength.
Thank you God for your promises, faithfulness and goodness!
Trust is not always easy – but I have faith that God loves me and that he will never leave me. Thank you Jill and Mary for your strong faithfulness and your words today.
I pray especially for Rick, Marcy, Connie, April, Robert, Julie, Jill, Mary and all who come to this place today. May the Light and Love of our Savior touch you all today in a way that makes you aware of his constant presence. We need you Lord – show us Your way.
Thank you Lou!
May God bless you and your family abundantly!
This Reflection did not appear in my email this morning. Hope this is not indicative of an issue with my email subscription. I was glad that I could find it on the UR app.
I can trust God’s promises because so many of His promises came true: Jesus was born, Jesus was raised from the dead, the Israelites were returned to their homeland many times.
Megan and I saw the Mister Roger’s movie yesterday, it is also a reminder of God’s promises and their fulfillment. He was such a wonderful man and so true, never acting or pretending. Truly believing in the goodness and worth of each person. Lord may I emulate him always.
Prayers for Jill and all those grieving loved ones.
Prayers for Rick and his husband, may God sustain them as they await test results.
Prayers for Mary and her successful church leadership roles, may there be many more opportunities for her light to shine Your love.
Prayers for Lou and her trouble with trust which I share.
Prayers for Marcy, may her insurance be reinstated soon and may she be safe and well.
Prayers for Robert and this season of business. I understand as currently there are two men working on my furnace.
Prayers and thank you UR
To this sums it all up in this verse from scripture “I will never leave you or forsake you”.
This is how I stand on Gods promises.
Yes, (David) I am “Standing on the promises”. God is faithful. There are
many serious health problems in the family. I try to be optimistic but am not always successful in spite of my faith. However, I know He is with me as I feel His presence and see His workings.
May your furnace run smoothly, Julie.
Lou….yes, a trust betrayed is one that puts a person on guard. That’s o.k. you need to look closely at situations. It’s God’s way of protecting you and yours. It’s hard to accept that things are not always as they seemed to be.
Blessing, all.
Thank you Connie – I am so glad you are back with your comments- I have missed my Chicago neighbor!
Experience tells me I can trust in the Lord. Keep focused on the Trinity and all these things will be given to you.
On my way to see my counselor, it’s a rainy, foggy day, glad im am taking the bus. The subway brings me almost to the doorstep of my destination.
So thankful for today’s UR news, prayers ofr thanks for Mary’s service hope the furnace is quickly and well restored to service – Julie, tough times help our faith grow- Lou, many blessing from that service with the cancer support group – Jill, healing and support for all in need – Connie.
This week’s Bible study lesson is The Coming Joy. Joy ad happiness are not the same. Joy can be with you even in the toughest times. I think oit may be an important aspect of God’s peace.
Blessings to you as we enter the third week of Advent.
How can you trust more deeply in God’s promises today?
I have to let Go and let God. So often things can feel out of reach in daily life… God’s timing is always perfect. I must admit that when I let Go and let Him, things work out just as they are supposed to. While I don’t always get what I want I recieve what I need. I have seen many things for which there is no reasonable explanation. I do see God’s promises fulfilled in and around me. My Hope is in the Lord, His promises are steadfast and Good.
Prayers for Jill and those who have lost loved ones to cancer. Prayers for Mary that she will inspire and bring joy to her church with her gifts and talents. Prayers for Lou as Lou experiences God’s open and loving arms and trust. Prayers for Julie and that her furnace is up and running providing her warmth and comfort. Grateful she had a beautiful day with her Daughter. Prayers of thanks for David and Connie for their witness of God’s promises. Prayers for Robert, as he journeys this day and for a meaningful experience with his counselor. Thank you all for your witness, prayers and presence.
Blessings
How can you trust more deeply in God’s promises today?
I have to let Go and let God. So often things can feel out of reach in daily life… God’s timing is always perfect. I must admit that when I let Go and let Him, things work out just as they are supposed to. While I don’t always get what I want I recieve what I need. I have seen many things for which there is no reasonable explanation. I do see God’s promises fulfilled in and around me. My Hope is in the Lord, His promises are steadfast and Good.
Prayers for Jill and those who have lost loved ones to cancer. Prayers for Mary that she will inspire and bring joy to her church with her gifts and talents. Prayers for Lou as Lou experiences God’s open and loving arms and trust. Prayers for Julie and that her furnace is up and running providing her warmth and comfort. Grateful she had a beautiful day with her Daughter. Prayers of thanks for David and Connie for their witness of God’s promises. Prayers for Robert, as he journeys this day and for a meaningful experience with his counselor. Thank you all for your witness, prayers and presence.
Blessings
My husband told me that he was no longer in love with me. He moved out of the house and into another woman’s home” I was heart broken when my husband of three years left to be with another woman.Thank you Dr Unity for saving my broken Marriage and brought my husband back to me”
Me and my husband are living together happily again.. All thanks to Dr Unity. If you have any problem contact Dr.Unity now and i guarantee you that he will help you.Here’s his contact,Email him at: Unityspelltemple@gmail. com
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