Waiting for the SaviorSample

Waiting for comfort: Simeon  

Proverbs 13:12 says that “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.” 

A life of hope is serious, maybe at times more than we ask for, but nevertheless, a life of hope is exciting!

Too many years, too many months, too many hours, minutes and seconds passed by to count the time that Simeon’s heart waited for the promise that was given – the dream that was hoped for. He knew it was real, but who could blame him if he doubted? Or who would fault him if he questioned whether or not the promise was really from God.

The fiery word within his heart, deposited by the Spirit, was intangible but never dimmed - sometimes unclear but never abandoned. Despite what he felt, Simeon decided to believe for the comfort that was to come, not only for himself, but for the entire nation of Israel. Little did he know that the hope given to him was to be the comfort to all generations in every nation.

While he waited with expectation, he never stopped preparing for the moment. His hope required responsibility.

Simeon embraced righteousness, and lived a life that honored God, revered His word, and reflected His character. He died to his own desires and prioritized obedience. He did it not for people, but because he experienced the joy of giving what the burden demanded from him. He pursued justice, and guarded himself from anything that could tempt him to forget his dear hope.

Devoted and passionate in prayer, Simeon always fed his faith. Determined and patient, his lifestyle was one of expectancy.

He couldn’t receive the blessing of the promise if it wasn’t by the sweet and precious presence of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit gave him the hope. The Spirit spoke to him. Sustained him. Guided him. Simeon was hungry for the Spirit and pursued the hope which was being orchestrated by it. 

And one day, his expectation met the fullness of hope, and hope wasn’t just the fulfillment of the promise. Hope was a person, and so that person was the Promise. 

Moved by the Spirit to go to the temple courts, he beheld the 8-day old baby boy, and all the waited time was worth it. Anticipation and expectation prepared his vision to recognize it when it was there. He knew by faith what and who hope was. He saw Jesus, and he blessed the Lord.

God prepares His children so that they can see the greatest things. If He made a deposit within you, it’s time to get excited! The Lord never lies and His words are “Amen.” In times of waiting, lets embrace hope. Let’s pursue the comfort of the Spirit with righteousness and devotion!