Advent Journey

Week 1: Rekindling Hope in Life’s Fast Lane

We move so quickly through our daily lives. We are often thinking about the next “to do” or deliverable at work, or the family responsibilities to be fulfilled. Sometimes the pace of life drives us and leaves little time to pause, to rest, to connect with God and discover Him in His Word.

If we are not careful, we become detached from those God-given longings, dreams, and desires that He wants to fulfill in us. Or perhaps those godly things that once had a home in our hearts but have been uprooted by disappointment and delay. Remember, it is the Lord who gives us – plants in us and puts in our hearts His desires (Psalm 37:4). Do you remember what those desires are? What godly fulfillment are you hoping for?

Often His desire may seem impossible and unattainable, and the path to fulfillment in our lives unclear and difficult. This describes God’s call to Mary to carry and give birth to the Son of God. Against incredible odds and challenges, Mary hoped in the Lord, surrendered to His will and saw His salvation in Christ for the entire world (Luke 1:38). Recognizing her humanity and God’s call to obey Him is the beauty of Scripture – where again and again we see God breaking into the lives of ordinary people to do extraordinary things through them.

This is the hope we should all embrace. Our fundamental hope in this life is not in what will or will not happen – our hope is in the Lord himself (Psalm 42:11) and in His Word (Psalm 119:114). Hope is a gift that God gives us (Jeremiah 29:11) and is formed in us when tribulation produces perseverance and perseverance produces character and character – hope that does not disappoint (Romans 5:3-4).

Hope does not disappoint because we trust God and know that all things work together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28), and because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us (Romans 5:5).

Rediscover your hope in Christ this season and allow the Holy Spirit to rekindle the desires of the Lord in your heart in a new and powerful way.

Colette Stewart
Managing Counsel – Enterprise Privacy Lead
Interac Corp.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we come before you, seeking comfort and connection as we navigate the rush of daily responsibilities. Help us find moments of pause to hear your whisper and rediscover the desires you’ve planted within us. Lord, help us to remember that our hope is in you and in your Word, where true fulfillment is found.

Reflection:

Take a purposeful moment each day to step away from the daily grind of life. Set aside time for reflection and prayer, allowing the Holy Spirit to illuminate the desires God has planted in your heart. Consider journaling your thoughts and reflections to deepen your understanding of the desires God has for you.