Good day, Purposeful Hearts! I’m taking this mid-Advent moment to reconnect with you during this intentional month of pausing, reflecting, repenting, and waiting – all for the good gifts of God. My post today aims to encourage you to do the same thing.
As my action list above mentions, our first encouragement this month is to pause. Really. I mean it. Yes, you can spare 10 minutes out of your day – as busy as it may be – to just stop. Put down the phone. Turn off your computer. Power down the TV. (It might be an interesting exercise to count exactly how many machines, devices, or sound sources you need to switch off during this process!) Just get to a point of silence for a little while. Honestly, the biggest hurdle here can be quieting your mind; sometimes our brains turn up their own volume on our inner dialogue and all of life’s problems that ruminate around in there (likely for too long). Push yourself to sit quietly. Give yourself this gift!
Next, let’s reflect. Pick a Bible verse that speaks to you right now. Maybe it’s a favorite verse that brings you comfort or peace. Maybe it’s the verse of the day from your devotion book or Bible app. Read the verse and let the words wash over your mind and settle their way into your heart during this time of quiet. Listen. Let God speak. (Remember, you have nowhere to go and nothing to do during this time that’s just for you and your heavenly best friend.)
Now it’s time to confess the burdens you’re trying to carry around this week. You can let them go. They’re not meant for you to keep. Tell the Lord about what you’ve done wrong and the good that you’ve left undone. During this season of Advent, repentance is a key ingredient! Remember John the Baptist – the voice in the wilderness crying – asking all people to repent because the Savior was coming. We are to make the crooked places in our hearts smooth and ready for Jesus by confessing our sinfulness and trusting God’s promise to wash us clean with full forgiveness.
And, finally, we wait. Our eyes are fixed on Christmas Day, patiently waiting for the good news of Jesus’ birth once again. With fresh, renewed spirits, we long to deepen our rejoicing and sing out our favorite Christmas hymns. But not quite yet. Linger in your personal “timeout” a bit longer. Reflect a bit more deeply. Repent and receive the blessing of forgiveness again. Let God work on your heart this Advent, knowing that Christmas will come, your God always keeps his promises, and he gives you only good gifts!
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