This is the third week of Advent, the Christian season of preparation for Christmas. We’re looking at some of the traditional themes of the season. This week: Hope and Joy.
Today’s scripture: Psalm 30 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Chris Burkolder):
When I was a teenager, my whole youth group was taking part in a Christmas play at my home church. I had a very small role — just about five seconds on stage, and no lines.
On the second week of practice, however, I ended up getting sick just an hour or two before the practice. I really felt like the Lord wanted me to be there, but I just felt too sick to get up and drive there.
But I decided to make it there no matter what. My conviction was so strong, I sat up dizzy, prayed for healing, and walked straight outside to the car and drove to the church.
My part was small, they would only see me on stage for about five seconds, but I believe my obedience paid off.
Amazingly, glory to God, God healed me completely, even before I pulled into the church. I thanked God and then walked in just before the meeting started.
Psalm 30 has a lot in it that can bless me, but I really like verse two. I know without a doubt the Lord healed me and my genuine cry for help is what saved me in this time.
Thought for the day: God’s will is for us to hope in God, and God can heal us. It may not be healing from a physical illness, as in my case, but if we put our hope in God, God will make in us a better life that we could ever imagine.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.