Re-Center Around God
Isaiah 61:1-6
- The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
because the Lord has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners, - to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn, - and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the Lord
for the display of his splendor. - They will rebuild the ancient ruins
and restore the places long devastated;
they will renew the ruined cities
that have been devastated for generations. - Strangers will shepherd your flocks;
foreigners will work your fields and vineyards. - And you will be called priests of the Lord,
you will be named ministers of our God.
You will feed on the wealth of nations,
and in their riches you will boast.
Pondering Point
Here are some of the prophetic words about the Messiah that Jesus references (see the Tuesday devotion). They are weighted with hope-filled promises for a beaten-down group of people.
Years later, God’s people would receive at Bethlehem the “Hope of nations,” known as Jesus, the fulfiller of these promises spoken of in Isaiah (see Isaiah 61:1-3 above).
In light of God as our true provider and source of hope, let’s ponder how we engage with him in these terms:
Review
In whom – and in what – do you put your hope? Think in terms of money, friendships, experience, personal ingenuity, etc. Do you consider God your primary source of hope and help -- or does His role come only after other options fail to produce?
Repent if Necessary
If appropriate, repent of letting other things or people take the place of God in your line of defense and help. You may need to repent of not trusting Him with your life – particularly if you fear his way may be uncomfortable for you.
Return (as necessary)
Ask God to take His rightful place as primary provider and helper. Mentally envision giving Him that place in your heart, your home, and schedule.
Micro-Meditation
Psalm 146:1-6
- Praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord, my soul. - I will praise the Lord all my life;
I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. - Do not put your trust in princes,
in human beings, who cannot save. - When their spirit departs, they return to the ground;
on that very day their plans come to nothing. - Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob,
whose hope is in the Lord their God. - He is the Maker of heaven and earth,
the sea, and everything in them—
he remains faithful forever.
Read the versus of the Psalm.
Mark the words or phrases that catch your attention.
Meditate: talk (or better, write) with God about those words. Ask him to impress things upon your heart and mind; expect responses.
Teaching or Command of God
Psalm 46:11
The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
The Promise
Ephesians 4:1-5
I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle, be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
Pondering Point
The season around Christmas is a time of hope for many, but a reminder of painful experiences, loss or emptiness for others. Shine your warm glow of God’s hope gently that those in need may benefit.