Sacred Texts

CHRISTIANITY: Joyfully waiting for Lord’s coming

The prophet Isaiah compares the coming of the Lord to joyful anticipation and says, “The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom” (Isaiah 35:1). Like a farmer preparing the soil and trusting unseen seeds to grow, we nurture our faith, finding joy in knowing Christ’s arrival will change barren places in our lives into fields full of life. Even as we wait, we rejoice—not because the harvest has come, but because we trust the promise of its fulfillment. No situation is too difficult for God to restore.
We all go through times of dryness when hope feels far away and life seems empty. Still, Isaiah encourages us to trust that God is working, even in the desert places of our lives. The call to rejoice does not come from having no problems but from trusting that God’s promises are reliable. As we wait for His kingdom, we can already see signs of His transformative power in our lives today. In today’s world, where people want quick results, patience is a rare and valuable quality. Waiting for God’s timing requires trust, humility, and perseverance. Even though patience is challenging, it grows from knowing God’s timing is perfect and His promises will never fail. Jesus asks us to watch for the signs of His presence—acts of love, healing, and transformation that show He is working among us. Through Christ, even the humblest among us can share in the joy and glory of God’s kingdom.

This week, think about how you can live in the joy of the Lord. Look for signs of God’s presence. Reflect on where you see God working in your life and the world around you. Practice active waiting during this Advent season by preparing your heart through prayer, Scripture, and acts of kindness. Share joy with others by serving someone, saying kind words, or showing love. Strengthen your patience by considering areas where you need to wait with faith and trust in God’s perfect timing.

REV. DR. RICHARD HOWELL

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