Scripture: Isaiah 7:10-17
Journal: What are you longing for in your life with God these days? How are you longing for him to show up? How has God been with you during this
season?
Reflection: What a promise! And more than just a promise, what a statement
of who God is! He is Immanuel! That is his name! Thus, he is
the God who just can't stay away. He is God with us!
In the midst of our deepest darkness, he is with us. In the midst
of our most desperate loneliness, he is with us. In the midst of
our most unimaginable pain, he is with us. When our hearts have
been broken beyond repair, he is with us. When we have made a
total mess of our lives, he is with us. When tragedy strikes, he
is with us. When we are lost, left, or abandoned, he is with us.
At the times we feel most unlovable and ashamed, he is with us. When
we feel like complete and utter failures, he is with us. When we
feel like all hope is lost, he is with us. When we feel
completely broken and inept, he is with us. When we are terrified
of what lies before us, he is with us. When we are uncertain about
our futures, he is with us. And even when life seems to be going "just
fine thank you" he is with us even then. In fact, the
psalmist (Psalm 139:7-12) tells us that there is nowhere we can go where
he is not with us. Just open your eyes and your ears, he is there.
Somewhere. Even if he is there in a way—or a place, or a form—that you
didn't expect. He is with us! It's just who he
is. Thanks be to God. (Watch and Wait by Jim Branch)
Prayer
Closing
Prayer: Thank you, O God, that you are ever and always
God with us. Thank you for the
gift of this season where we contemplate and celebrate that marvelous
truth. Amen. (Watch and Wait by Jim Branch)
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