"Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4
I've been waiting for healing for about seven years. In anticipation, my hope has faded. I've grown fatigued, worn, and weary. Just when it looks like light at the end of the tunnel, dark clouds surround me. That's the life of most people who suffer from chronic physical and mental anguish. Does it describe you and yours?
If we're honest, it's hard to be hopeful when hope itself is fading. Though he didn't face physical or mental turmoil that we're aware of, Simeon knew what it was like to wait patiently, endure, and grow weary. Over 2,000 years ago, the people of Jerusalem were waiting for their King. When He showed up as a baby born in a manger, they didn't know what to think. But not Simeon.
Simeon was a man who served God faithfully and wholeheartedly. He was patient, persevering, and clung to the promises spoken to Him. And yet, He still had to wait. The older he grew, the more weary I suspect he felt. God had told Simeon that he wouldn't die until he saw the Messiah. But let's be honest, Simeon was now an elderly man. He clung to precious promises but probably felt His hope fading.
Before Jesus was born, Simeon was given two choices:
1. To persevere.
2. To quit.
Today, I think each of us is given the same choice. No matter our circumstances or what hope looks like, we can persevere or quit. If we're wise, we will learn to be like Simeon—a man who waited tirelessly for the Lord's promises and was steadfast, unwavering, and true. He believed that God would give him the desires of his heart (to see and bless the Messiah before he died [Luke 2:26]) and saw it through to completion.
Luke 2:25-35 recounts our story this way: "At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying, 'Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised. I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people. He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!' Jesus’ parents were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby’s mother, 'This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, and many others to rise. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul'" (NLT).
If your hope is fading today, friend, might I encourage you of this: Those who are weak and weary will still inherit the promises of God. Like Simeon, may we have the faith to continue in our journey even when the years drag on and our hope starts to fade. God keeps His promises to His children, and He loves you.
It’s okay to grow weary and tired. It’s okay to doubt, have questions, and be confused. But let us look to Simeon as an example. Let us remain hopeful even when the waiting seems long and bless Him who has been given to us to save us from our sins.
Let's pray:
Dear Jesus,
You know how tired many of us are from waiting. We grow complacent, famished, and tired. But help us cling to your precious promises that you’ve given to us even as we wait. Let us always look to you amid our circumstances, knowing that you see us and love us even there. Though the wait for our Messiah to come back seems long, we know that you're not slow in your coming. Your timing is perfect, and we trust your abundant and gracious plan. Help us cling to hope in faith, even as we waiver. We praise, thank, and trust you, Lord, Jesus—for even in the waiting, you know what we need most. Amen.
Agape, Amber
Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/Nadine Rupprecht
Related Resource: Jesus Calling - Stories of Faith
Kerry Washington, Andrea Bocelli, Reba McEntire, Mark Wahlberg, Tony Dungy, and Matthew McConaughey—what do all of these people have in common? They are all people of faith who have leaned on God in both the good and challenging times—and they’ve shown up to tell their stories of faith on The Jesus Calling Podcast. The Jesus Calling Podcast provides a place for people from all walks of life to share the heartaches, joys, and divine moments that keep them going.
Inspired by Sarah Young's classic devotional book, the Jesus Calling podcast has brought encouragement and peace to millions. New episodes drop every Thursday! Listen today on LifeAudio.com or wherever you find your podcasts.
Originally published Friday, 27 December 2024.
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