Behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. Luke 2:25–26 (NKJV)
I believe Simeon experienced indescribable joy as he awaited the Messiah’s arrival. He trusted the Holy Spirit’s revelation. It was just a matter of time. The thrill of at last seeing—and holding—baby Jesus offered this prophet hope. And once he had, he could die at peace.
Like Simeon, I’ve known similar desires and possess a rising hope. I haven’t touched Jesus, He’s touched me.
At a recent doctor’s appointment, my husband underwent time-consuming tests. I sat in the waiting room, praying for positive results. As minutes dragged by, I read a magazine, then fiddled with my phone. After a while I’d run out of things to do and had no choice but to admit it was out of my hands. Like other situations in my life, from reaching out to someone in friendship, to stretching forward in my work, the next move belongs to somebody else. And that someone is Jesus. He’s the Author of my life. When times are hard, He’s with me. He’ll never leave me or forsake me (Hebrews 13:5). And the closer He draws me to Him, the greater my satisfaction.
Deep within, quiet anticipation stirs as unshakable joy takes root. I know the thoughts He thinks toward me, thoughts of peace and not of evil, thoughts to give me a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11). And like Simeon, I’m willing to wait.
Faith Step: Are you experiencing trials beyond your control? Acknowledge your powerlessness, take a seat in Jesus’s prayer room and prepare for the joy found in absolute trust.
