As we begin each day’s reflection, invite the Lord to come be with you as you read and meditate on His Word. Take a moment and read the above bible passage slowly, allowing the Lord to draw you to any word or phrase that speaks to you.

Isaiah 26:1-6 

On that day they will sing this song in the land of Judah: "A strong city have we; he sets up walls and ramparts to protect us. Open up the gates to let in a nation that is just, one that keeps faith. A nation of firm purpose you keep in peace; in peace, for its trust in you." Trust in the LORD forever! For the LORD is an eternal Rock. He humbles those in high places, and the lofty city he brings down; He tumbles it to the ground, levels it with the dust. It is trampled underfoot by the needy, by the footsteps of the poor.

Today we focus on standing firm, for our Lord is an eternal Rock. If we trust in Him, we can live hopeful lives filled with peace. Jesus uses the example in the Gospel today (Matt. 7:21-27) of a man who builds his house on rock and one who builds on sand. Only one can withstand the storms that come. We see that in our own lives and those around us. If we don’t have a firm foundation, we can feel tossed about by the circumstances of an ever changing world. If that happens, we lose our hope that things can get better. 

But Hebrews 10:23 says, “Let us hold unwaveringly to our confession that gives us hope, for he who made the promise is trustworthy.” The beauty of our faith is that we do not hope in vain. People may look at us and think we are foolish to place our hope in a God we can’t see. 

But, they don’t see what we see. We have all the Old Testament prophets and patriarchs who testify to the faithfulness of our God. We have the Gospels and history which testify to a man named Jesus who claimed to be God and showed His words to be true when He rose from the dead. And we have over 2000 years with the Catholic Church which has held safe the deposit of faith and guides us still to this day, closer to Jesus. 

Because of all of these things and so much more, let hope guide your heart and thoughts today. Let it splash out on those around you so that they get a taste of the water that truly satisfies, just as Jesus told the woman at the well. If we believe that God is with us and that He keeps his promises and we live lives that reflect that knowledge, others can’t help but be drawn to that light. So let your advent candle burn!

Reflection Questions: Spend some time with Hebrews 10:23. Read it out loud slowly and let the Lord point out to you any words or phrases that He wants you to pray about. What stands out to you? Why? Do they call you to action in some way? 

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are coming to live in my heart and I anxiously await with hope for all that You will do within me. Help me to hear Your words and build my life on the Eternal Rock standing firm on my confession of faith in who You are and what You’ve done for me. I love you! Amen.