“O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you” (Psalm 39:7). “Fear not, for I am with you” (Isa. 41:10). “The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee…” Phillips Brooks
Lord Jesus, it’s just November 18th, and I’ve never seen so many homes in the greater Nashville area already sporting Christmas lights… and I love it. Personally, I think it reflects something really important, not something really commercial.
The most memorable line of Phillips Brooks’ hymn (O, Little Town of Bethlehem) reminds us of two heart-grabbing realities, and the ultimate resolution of both. What is life but an interplay, collision, and dance between our deepest hopes and greatest fears?
Jesus, still 37 days from Christmas, we want to affirm these 3 things: First of all, our hope is in you—not in people “getting” us, circumstances getting better, or in romantic, financial and political outcomes. Though we emotionally vacillate between “Yippee!” and “Oh no!”, we can and do trust you, Lord.
Secondly, we do have fears—fears of not having enough and being enough, fears of “What if’?” and “If only.” You know this is true, so we don’t have to pretend or spin it.
Thirdly, our hopes and fears are met in you, Jesus, not merely by you. You aren’t a means to our “happy ending.” You, yourself, are our righteousness, holiness, redemption, portion, joy, and satisfaction. For the next 37 days, and the rest of our lives, we want to prove the glories of your righteousness and the wonders of your love. A BIG Very Amen.