Waiting for the SaviorSample

Waiting with joy: Elizabeth

If Elizabeth were to have written a journal which we could read today, it might sound something like this:

“Zechariah and I always wanted children, but have failed to get pregnant for many years. It has been years of embarrassment for not being able to start a family of our own. Years of uncertainty, but we have served the Lord in the good times and the bad. Years of prayers on our knees before the Lord, but one thing has remained - my joy. Through trial and tribulations, I have refused to allow my joy, which rightfully belongs to me, to be stolen. I have found joy in the waiting, so we have praised the Lord in the midst of embarrassment and uncertainty. Zechariah and I have remained faithful to the Lord and he has remained faithful to us. We are both getting older in age and my womb has been barren . . . until now.

We are overcome with even more joy and rejoice at the coming of our son, who has been called to greatness in the eyes of the Lord. John himself leapt for joy in my womb while in the presence of Mary who is carrying our soon and coming King. Although the time of waiting may be long, we must always find joy in the midst of it all. Although we may plant tears, we will harvest joy!”

Elizabeth was a woman of faith who did not let her circumstances dictate her emotions. It is very easy for us to be overcome with various feelings during a season of waiting. Confusion, uncertainty, and fear may creep in, but we are to put our faith in the one who is unchanging and remains constant. As followers of Christ, we have been granted the Joy of the Lord. We say “the Joy of the Lord” for a reason. As stated previously, God is constant and never changing. Everything about Him stays the same, including his joy. Joy is not fleeting or an emotion that changes with each circumstance. Joy, because it comes from the Lord, is constant. Be encouraged to find joy in the good things and the not-so-good-things, in the waiting and in the hustle and bustle. In every season, count it all joy!

In this holiday season, where do you find the most joy? As a challenge, take some time each day during the rest of this Advent devotional to contemplate what brings you the most joy in your life. You may find some interesting patterns or realize a few things that you were previously unaware of. Discuss it with friends and family and ask them the same question. You may be surprised at what the Lord may reveal through some quality conversation while spending time with your loved ones.