ZPCBlog

About the author: Mike Ellis and his wife Beth have been members of ZPC since 2001. Their family has grown to include daughter Victoria, son-in-law Nathan, new grandson Eli, son Josh and soon to be daughter-in-law, Alicia. Mike is a former ZPC Deacon, active in Great Banquet and a men's Wednesday bible study. He and Beth are also marriage mentors and love being a part of a ZPC Home Group. 

Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous;
    it is fitting for the upright to praise him.
Psalm 33

Another cold January. Then February. March and Purdue Men’s basketball exits early. (Except this year!!!) Then it’s Spring. The Indy 500 happens. Summer follows. Another fall harvest and the Colts try to regain the mojo of Manning and Luck. Fall and the trees burst with color. Then it’s Christmas time and a new year. Where did the time go? It moves so fast, yet some days so sloooooow. Yet through it all – GOD is in our midst and has always been there. And always will be. Sometimes out ahead of us. Other times standing back and watching what we will do next. But, ALWAYS there and available…so wanting us to notice him…follow him…learn from him…seek him….and trust HIM…..the great I AM.

When I read Psalm 33, I am reminded to wait, not like 25 minutes in the Starbucks drive thru line, but for something better. I know you’re thinking, “what’s better than a delicious cup of hot brew?” Waiting is the hardest thing to do and the best thing to do all wrapped in a box with a bright bow. When I read verses 18-22 of this Psalm, I see our part (fear him, hope in his unfailing love, trust). Then I see what God promises to us (unfailing love, to be our help, our shield). He brings us further into the Father/Child relationship. Waiting allows us to experience the mightiness of God. Waiting can bring calmness, answers, peace, and reveal the work he is calling us to do. (Warning: there can be times we don’t hear from him, but that is ok because we can rest in the peace that he will reveal in us as he sees fit as we trust in his will for us.) Picture the Lord’s gentle hand resting on your shoulder as you sit waiting on him and you say verse 22 – “May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in you.” 

So today start with sitting for five minutes alone – no noise, no nothing…just you and the Lord. If you really want to make it tangible, set an empty chair next to you. Give him all your time and attention in these 300 seconds. Let him speak to you and wait. Wait. Wait. Let his peace flow over you in this time. Then tomorrow spend five more minutes. And the next day. And the next. Go all the way thru this Advent season waiting and anticipating.

Prayer: 

Lord our father,
Calm our anxious hearts as we look forward to Jesus’ birthday and wait with us as we long to be with you on earth and in heaven for all eternity.
Amen.

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