Longing Anticipation

Dear Faith Family,

Second only to the exuberant, "How worthy, O Lord!" in our faith's text, is the persistent cry of the faithful, "How long, O Lord!" Contained within this prevalent plea is the longing lament for something different, something more, as well as the anticipation that it's only a matter of time until the pinning will cease in the emergence of something better.

It is the expected arrival--the advent--of what we long for which compels us to convey our sorrows to our heavenly Father, all the while imprisoning us in certain hope. We proclaimed this truth to one another in praise through song on Sunday, singing: 

Slow down, take time
Breath in He said
He'd reveal what's to come
The thoughts in His mind
Always higher than mine
He'll reveal all to come

Take courage my heart
Stay steadfast my soul
He's in the waiting
He's in the waiting
Hold onto your hope
As your triumph unfolds
He's never failing
He's never failing

Sing praise my soul
Find strength in joy
Let His Words lead you on
Do not forget His great faithfulness
He'll finish all He's begun

And You who hold the stars
Who call them each by name
Will surely keep, Your promise to me
That I will rise, in Your victory
And You who hold the stars
Who call them each by name
Will surely keep, Your promise to me
That I will rise, in Your victory!

So take courage my heart
Stay steadfast my soul
He's in the waiting
He's in the waiting
Hold onto your hope
As your triumph unfolds
He's never failing
He's never failing

In a few days (if it hasn't happened already), decorations will be unpacked, and music will begin to fill the air, signaling time to amend our focus from mourning to rejoicing. And while there is much for us to rejoice in this coming season, let us remember; it is in the wailing wait of lament where we find the energy of Advent. As the seasons shift, may our minds' attention and hearts' affections remain persistent in longing anticipation.

Love you faith family. God bless!