December 26

​​And therefore the Lord [earnestly] waits [expecting, looking, and longing] to be gracious to you; and therefore He lifts Himself up, that He may have mercy on you and show loving-kindness to you. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are all those who [earnestly] wait for Him, who expect and look and long for Him [for His victory, His favour, His love, His peace, His joy, and His matchless, unbroken companionship]”! Isaiah 30:18 (AMPC)

So often, because of the situations or circumstances of our past, we can be on high alert now, expecting bad things to happen. Fear of what the future may bring causes us to live like a turtle with our heads tucked safely inside our shell. After all, life may have conditioned us to think that hidden away, is the best, and the safest, place to be.
 
Yet here is a promise that will cause your heart to sing—the God of the Universe, the very Giver of Life, is looking out for and longing to show good things to you! Things like peace, joy, favour (God doing for you what you cannot do for yourself) fellowship, and unbroken friendship with the Jesus, the One Who loves you so. Grace upon grace, dear heart, in the fullness of all that means, and oh, so much more!
 
Instead of hiding away, you can live fully alive, lost and found in Him! You can anticipate His kindness washing over you. His mercies, new every day, restoring the broken places and making all things new. He will go out of His way, beloved, to find you and make things right. That is what the redeeming love of your faithful and glorious God, can do. That is what He has promised to do for you!

Prayer:

Today, Jesus, as an act of faith, I look for Your goodness, Your gentleness, and Your grace. 

Renew my mind I pray, to expect the good things You have planned. Heal my heart where hurts of the past have caused me to think otherwise and walk in fear.  I lift my eyes to  you, Lord, the Author and Finisher of my faith.  The One Who makes all things new!

Guard my feet to remain on the paths of peace You have prepared, for You have promised in Your enduring love that You would never walk away from me. With a grateful heart, and through Your empowering grace, I long to remain faithful and true to Your heart, and all You have called me to.

I celebrate Your goodness and I give thanks. Come and do what only You can do. In all things, Lord of my life, I look for You!