2021 Advent Devotions
Friday, December 10 - Chris LiPuma
Ecclesiastes 6:9 “It is better to be content with what the eyes can see than for one's heart always to crave more. This continual longing is futile -- like chasing the wind.”
We are people of wanting; we are a country of wanting more. Early believers and Christians were a people of longing for God, of longing for more. But how often do we say, “I am content?” How often do we wake up and think, everything is “good?” This is a struggle I wrestle with on a daily basis. I want to be in better shape, I want to be better at my job, I want to have more friends. I am always longing for more. When I pray at night it seems my prayers long for some “thing” from God.
As I sit in my office writing this, I have to take a moment and reflect on the verse from Ecclesiastes, “It is better to be content with what the eyes can see…” And sitting at my desk I see a desk filled with names of kids signing up for future events. I see “Welcome to Trindle Spring” cards from congregation members. I see pictures drawn by kids hanging on my wall. I see a life, a story that has been written and co-created with God. A life filled with so many blessings.
We always long for more. We are always searching for the next best thing or the next step in our plans. This advent season I encourage you to look, and see, and be content. Find those little joys that God has placed in your life. Look at the many blessings that God has bestowed upon you. While it
is ok for us to long for more, and even long for God, take heart. We have a God who longs for you, we have a God who never disappears and whom our eyes can always look upon.
Prayer: Lord, help us to see your presence this advent season. Be with us in times of longing, and help us to see that the joy and presence of you is right in front of us. Amen.
Ecclesiastes 6:9 “It is better to be content with what the eyes can see than for one's heart always to crave more. This continual longing is futile -- like chasing the wind.”
We are people of wanting; we are a country of wanting more. Early believers and Christians were a people of longing for God, of longing for more. But how often do we say, “I am content?” How often do we wake up and think, everything is “good?” This is a struggle I wrestle with on a daily basis. I want to be in better shape, I want to be better at my job, I want to have more friends. I am always longing for more. When I pray at night it seems my prayers long for some “thing” from God.
As I sit in my office writing this, I have to take a moment and reflect on the verse from Ecclesiastes, “It is better to be content with what the eyes can see…” And sitting at my desk I see a desk filled with names of kids signing up for future events. I see “Welcome to Trindle Spring” cards from congregation members. I see pictures drawn by kids hanging on my wall. I see a life, a story that has been written and co-created with God. A life filled with so many blessings.
We always long for more. We are always searching for the next best thing or the next step in our plans. This advent season I encourage you to look, and see, and be content. Find those little joys that God has placed in your life. Look at the many blessings that God has bestowed upon you. While it
is ok for us to long for more, and even long for God, take heart. We have a God who longs for you, we have a God who never disappears and whom our eyes can always look upon.
Prayer: Lord, help us to see your presence this advent season. Be with us in times of longing, and help us to see that the joy and presence of you is right in front of us. Amen.
The Redeemer John 19:25