Following the Star
Still yourself. Inhale deeply. Loosen your shoulders.
As you exhale, let go of the demands and expectations you are feeling.
Let God’s presence in this moment spark your hope.
From ancient times, no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any god but you who acts on behalf of those who wait for him! You look after those who gladly do right; they will praise you for your ways. But you were angry when we sinned; you hid yourself when we did wrong.
No one calls on your name; no one bothers to hold on to you, for you have hidden yourself from us, and have handed us over to our sin.
Isaiah 64:4-5, 7
Does God hide from us? It may feel that way sometimes, especially when we are left to face the consequences of our sinful actions. The Israelites felt as though God was somewhere else, hiding even, as a form of judgement.
However, God’s incomparable character is affirmed by Isaiah in verses 4 and 5. Our hope is not in a God who hides, but in a God who is working in ways that are sometimes beyond our comprehension. Perhaps God’s “hiding” is a way of reminding us that God cannot be owned or controlled. We often long for God to affirm our self-serving choices and answer our prescriptive prayers for how God should act, but we hear nothing in response. Maybe God’s “hiding” in those moments is a holy “no” that will pave the way for a future “yes.”
This Advent, let us hold on to the promises of God for restoration – promises God fully intends to keep. And let us wait with hope for God to give us our next “yes.”
Kelly Adams
Question to Ponder:
When was a time you felt like God was hiding or absent? How did you hold on to hope during that time?
I praise you, Holy One, for your faithfulness.
In times I’m certain you are hiding, remind me that you are ever-present.
Help me wait in hopeful anticipation of your restoration and renewal of this broken world, trusting you will keep your promises.
Amen.
Go now, confident that God is acting, full of hope for a world transformed by peace, love, and joy.
Share a smile, an encouraging word, or a gesture of kindness that shows your hope in action.