Being Present While Waiting

Saturday, December 13, 2014                                      Psalm 149; 2 Thess. 3: 6-18

Kalli Watson                                                 

I have found that it is easy for me to become idle when I am waiting for something I am excited for. Like a child, sometimes I wish I could sleep all of December to make Christmas come faster. I can become completely unproductive in my daily life because I’m anticipating Christmas Day. My best friend has the exact opposite problem; she cannot allow herself to sit and wait in excitement, and rather has to fill her day with tasks to keep her from being inactive.

This season is such a busy and chaotic time for our culture; classified by the sending of holiday cards, excessive baking, buying presents, and attending parties. It’s no wonder most people become overwhelmed and stressed by the thought of it all. People tend to busy up their schedules to meet the needs of everyone around them, and at that point it’s hard to remember what exactly we’re getting prepared for. Yet there is the risk of not preparing for Christmas at all, and being fruitless in our waiting. We can either deny being present in our lives during this season, or become completely overtaken by the demands of our culture.

While we wait for Christ’s return, we are reminded that He is always with us. Instead of allowing ourselves to be swept away into the holiday rush, or ignoring the excitement around us, we should take this time to be still and be present in our waiting. There is much to praise God about, for the Lord delights in us (Psalm 149:4)! What a wonderful thought, that our Creator is delighted in each one of us. During this season, we should not allow idleness, or even chaos, keep us from being prepared for Christ’s coming. Instead, we should find ways to rejoice in our Maker and experience the peace that comes with knowing who Jesus is.

Prayer:     For the Lord delights in us; let us sing to Him a new song.

                  Come, Israel, let us praise His name with dancing, for we all belong.

                  Let peace like a river flow, for the Creator God is near.

                 As we shout praises for our Savior, let joy fill all those who hear. Amen.

Daily Challenge: Be present where you are and praise God throughout your whole day.