Advent Devotional, Dec. 12: “Pant” for God, by The Rev. Kaji Douša

You’ve got this. You generally know what’s required and you’ve made it thus far.

And, yet . . .

In the “yet,” in the “not quite,” through the “however,” you may feel so distinct from all that is certain. Psalm 42, Advent even, reminds you that you have a portion of what it takes. But God has the rest.

The season of Advent invites us to remember this, to draw on God’s mercy, to . . . remember. That we can only go but so far. For the rest of it, our souls pant for what only God can do.

Consider a major challenge in your life. Are you feeling stuck? Have you even dared to “pant” for God’s help? Truth is, when we ask for God’s help, sometimes we are calling on something that may be inconvenient, that would take us in a direction we do not want to go. Pant for God and be prepared to go somewhere you never would have charted.

Your faith tells you that this uncharted territory is not only ordained by God, but infinitely magnificent.

Where is God hoping you will go? Allow this Advent to be the time to usher you in that direction.

O Come, Holy One, come even when I forget that I need you. My soul pants for you with a thirst that only you can quench.

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United Church of Christ Stillspeaking Devotional Published by Pilgrim Press. Shared with permission of the publisher.