Advent 3 Devotional

Hope - Matthew 12:21

(From the Tres Rios Presbytery Advent Devotional, Mike Burnett)


“In his name the nations will put their hope.”


I find that some days, all we have to cling to is hope. Hope for something better. Hope for tomorrow. A new hope (a la “help me Obi Wan Kenobi, you’re my only hope.” 2020 has been something of a year like none of us have experienced before. At every turn, at every corner, new trials and tribulations have been thrown at us. And at times, it wears us down. When we think we’ve hit the bottom, something else hits us and we sink lower. And yet, there is the one who is always there with us…Jesus. He is our “Obi Wan Kenobi”…our only hope. In Matthew 12:21, the word for nations can also be swapped with Gentiles…meaning non-Israel…people like you and me. We find our hope in Christ. He gives us the strength to carry on…to press onward. Look for Him and find the hope you need. There is a great Third Day song that gets right to the point. I find that in my deepest, darkest times, singing to God, praising His name…that helps me find the hope that is promised to us.


To You, O Lord, I lift my soul

In You, O God, I place my trust

Do not let me be put to shame

Nor let my enemies triumph over me

My hope is You

Show me Your ways

Guide me in truth

In all my days

My hope is You

I am, O Lord, filled with Your love

You are, O God, my salvation

Guard my life and rescue me

My broken spirit shouts

My mended heart cries out

My hope is You

Show me Your ways

Guide me in truth

In all my days

My hope is You

Songwriters: Bradley B. C. Avery / David Carr / Johnny Mac Powell / Mark D. Lee / Samuel Tai Anderson

My Hope Is You lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

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