Dana Hagstrom – Be Still…

Psalm 89:1-4 – The Promised King

Read Psalm 89:1-4

We can never hear these words too many times. God is faithful forever, and his love for us will never end. That is the best news! It doesn’t matter if we’re stuck in traffic, wondering how we’re going to pay the bills, or trying to make a big life decision. God is right there beside us, always faithful.

What a great Advent theme of praise for us to dwell in God’s unfailing love. Sending Jesus was an act of that great love playing out for all to see. It wasn’t a random act or baseless whim. God’s intention was brewing centuries before Jesus came to fulfill these words of the psalmist. The psalmist wasn’t sharing new information either. God had made this promise to King David of a never-ending dynasty. Neither David nor the psalmist knew it would be Jesus, the Son of God. Continue reading “Psalm 89:1-4 – The Promised King”

Jeremiah 23:5-6 – The Time is Coming

Read Jeremiah 23:5-6

When I think of the people alive at the time of Jesus’ birth, I can only imagine this prophetic word would have brought comfort. However, based on these words, the people were expecting a great warrior king that would come and restore peace and safety. The world Jesus was born into was full of evil and corruption. God’s people lived in fear and needed a Savior. They just didn’t know their Savior would look like Jesus.

Jesus was that “righteous descendant from King David’s line.” Matthew’s gospel does a great job of revealing that genealogy. This wise king, Jesus, would save the people and return them to safety. How Jesus would do this was not with a mighty sword or battle as the people expected. Although, the battles being fought in the unseen realm are likely greater than we can possibly imagine. Continue reading “Jeremiah 23:5-6 – The Time is Coming”

Isaiah 52:7-10 – Break Into Song!

Read Isaiah 52:7-10

What a prophecy clearly pointing to Jesus’ first coming while at the same time speaking to an earlier audience, those returning to Jerusalem after years in exile, apart from God. What a time to celebrate that reunion was!

There are a lot of joyful people in this psalm, many of whom are breaking into song because their joy just can’t be still. What was the source of such delight? Our God reigns and comforts us all at the same time. The victory belongs to the LORD, let’s make some music and worship! Continue reading “Isaiah 52:7-10 – Break Into Song!”

Psalm 126 – What Joy!

Read Psalm 126

Nobody can touch the joy I have in the LORD! Do you agree with that statement? Joy is different than happiness. In fact, I have tapped into my “joy” even in times of great distress and turmoil. It’s that joy that keeps me going when I’m feeling sad, lonely, or even stressed. Joy is not dependent upon good circumstances.

The psalmist talks about joy in this passage. His joy comes from what the LORD has done. That’s exactly where our joy comes from. We can’t create joy, it’s a gift from God as he works in our lives and in the world. Continue reading “Psalm 126 – What Joy!”

John 6:35-40 – Our Purpose

Read John 6:35-40

Even as we’re preparing to celebrate Jesus’ first coming as a helpless babe, we can’t help but remember his life and some of the great lessons he taught us. In this passage, Jesus teaches of the last day and the reason he came in the first place.

What did Jesus say about that? “For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do my own will.” That’s good counsel for us as well when we wonder what our purpose in life is. We can ponder all day long why God created us. What is our job on earth? I love how Rick Warren’s book, “The Purpose Driven Life,” breaks it down into five purposes. They all point back to loving God and others while doing his will. The high schoolers at the orphanage are walking through that book with me, and it’s been great to see the lightbulbs going on that will help them in life to live how God desires. Continue reading “John 6:35-40 – Our Purpose”