Daily Affirmations - Day 4 - Be Strong, Take Courage, Wait - For Consolation
- Alisa B.
- 1 minute ago
- 2 min read
Day 4: For consolation
Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him (Luke 2:25).
Lord our God, You are God and Your words are true... (2 Samuel 7:28). These words of praise from King David have been echoed throughout Scripture, throughout the course of history, and in every sphere of existence, for You have shown that Your promises are trustworthy— that every word of God is flawless... (Proverbs 30:5).
Simeon was one who praised You for Your faithfulness and Your flawless, infallible word, when he held a baby in his arms and recognized that at long last, he was holding the promised Messiah: “Sovereign Lord, as You have promised, You may now dismiss Your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen Your salvation...” (Luke 2:29-30).
Simeon had not lost faith, though the wait was long. Over four hundred years had passed since You last spoke through Your prophets, and much had happened to Your people during that time. But even though four hundred years had passed in silence, Simeon knew You, and trusted You (Psalm 9:10), and continued to wait for the Consolation of Israel, because You had promised (Luke 2:25).
Lord, today, we too, are waiting, not just for the Consolation of Israel, but for the Desire of all nations (Haggai 2:7). Deep in our souls we long for the Prince of Peace to take up His reign of righteousness and justice (Isaiah 9:6-7). And we know that our God will come (Psalm 50:3, 1 Thessalonians 3:13), because Your promises are trustworthy, and the sum of Your word is truth (Psalm 119:160 - ESV).
But until then, Lord Jesus we journey on in this mortal life with all its struggles and ills. And here, too, we wait for Your consolation.
We pray for those who have been waiting for healing and health, for restored relationships, for resources and provision, for justice and vindication, for relief and reparation. We pray for peace and comfort over broken hearts, crushed spirits, despairing minds, hopeless souls.
Lord, You alone can bring the light and life, the joy and peace that cannot be found in this world. You alone can deliver from every fear, worry and anxiety as we learn to know Your name and to trust in You. Thank You for the help You give us here and now. But we know this world is not the end.
So Lord, as we wait for Your greater promise, make us ready. Heal the broken. Release the captive. Bring home the prodigal. For the sake of Your great and powerful name.
Come, Thou long-expected Jesus,
Born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us,
Let us find our rest in Thee.
Israel’s Strength and Consolation,
Hope of all the earth Thou art;
Dear Desire of every nation,
Joy of every longing heart.
~ Charles Wesley ~ pub. 1745
