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"The Lord is my Shepherd, I lack nothing.” Psalm 23:1
As we have officially kicked off the season of Advent, I am reminded that this is a time not only to prepare for the birth of Jesus and celebrate His first coming, but to continually look forward to His second and final coming (Advent). What does this actually look and feel like versus what it should look and feel like?
Personally, I catch myself falling prey to the constant cultural and worldly demands: Buy this. Do this. Eat this. Drink this. Have this. Watch this. Be this. Is this really “the most wonderful time of the year” we want to create for ourselves? Because none of this, apart from God, will satisfy our desires.
Rather, do we draw a line in the sand and say, “I’m good; I lack nothing; I have enough,” so that we are able to properly and eagerly await His return? Now is the time to be intentional and promptly remind ourselves to drink deeply from the well of the living, breathing, active God — as much as we want, and at no cost whatsoever (Revelation 21:6)! We have full access to Him. Wouldn’t it be inconsistent to not have time for God, but then desire to spend eternity with Him? He is preparing a place for us, and when everything is ready, He will come for us so that we will always be with Him (John 14:3-4).
Are we prepared? While we wait for Jesus’ return and before we meet Him face-to-face, I pray our hearts are stirred to have a desire to know our Savior more and more, and to be reminded of the purpose He has for us: to know Him, and to make Him known. To have unrestrained devotion, a yearning, a craving, a thirst for God — the living God — to ask, "When can I go and stand before Him?” (Psalm 42:2).
As we prepare in the coming days to celebrate Jesus’ first coming, let us join together in preparing our minds and hearts for His second and final coming … patiently and expectantly.
The books are opened then to all,
A record truly telling
What each has done, both great and small,
When he on earth was dwelling,
And ev'ry heart be clearly seen,
And all be known as they have been
In thoughts and words and actions.
The Day Is Surely Drawing Near
LSB Hymn 508, Stanza 3
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