I have a confession…most of my prayers have come from a very desperate place. They are hasty arrows shot into the dark in a moment of crisis. Maybe you experience this same conviction in your prayer life. Your prayers are formed in the moment without much thought put into them.

On one hand, this is the privilege we have as believers to come before the throne of grace anytime in anyway, but on the other hand, I am convicted that most of my prayers arrive like a visitor to an AirBNB, in the moment of crisis, instead of choosing him as my constant dwelling place. I run to the shelter (which is my right and privilege) but I recognize this is where I need to make my home. Is he your default posture or your primary residence?

The Shelter of the Most High

Psalm 91:1 is the verse for my year which goes along with my word for the year: Abide. I have been meditating on the two sections in this verse. Today, I want to break down the first section:

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High”

What does it mean to dwell in the shelter of the Most High? What is significant about this particular name for God and how does it relate to abiding? What is a shelter? These are the questions I will try and answer today.

The Hebrew words for “dwell” and “abide” in this verse have different nuances in their meanings. The word “dwell” focuses more on location and permanence. We make our home, settle, remain, sit down — instead of passing through, we set up permanent residence. It’s where we position ourselves.

Abide is a little different. Abide focuses more on nearness and presence. We abide by settling down and inhabiting with presence. The root of abide is what makes up the word for “Shekinah” which is God’s dwelling presence. Where dwell focuses on OUR permanent position as we choose to place ourselves in his presence; abide is staying close to God with the emphasis on God choosing to remain with us.

Dwelling

My next post will dive more into how these two work together in Psalm 91:1, but today the focus is on dwelling in the shelter of the Most High. So, we’ve learned so far that the word dwell is our secure position with God because we live there. Dwelling in God’s shelter is about identity and belonging. The word shelter is a secret place or a hiding place. Colossians 3:3 spells this out perfectly:

For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. - Colossians 3:3

Our lives are secure and our identity is set when we live in the hidden place of our union with Christ in God. This is where we find our confidence when crisis hits.

Most High

Now, the next question we must ask of this text is: What is significant about the use of the name for God here - “Most High”?

Most High is not just a random selection of one of God’s names, it is loaded with meaning. Most High is El Elyon in Hebrew. “El” meaning God, the strong one and “Elyon” meaning highest, exalted, supreme, above all. When we put these together it means: God who is above every power, authority and threat. That means he ranks above any circumstance or crisis that unfolds in our lives. God is introduced as the highest authority. This is important and matters so much in our every day lives.

What this means in our struggles and sorrows is that the enemy does not have the final say, nothing has authority over you apart from God. God is higher than our circumstances.

Before we even begin to look at the promise that Psalm 91:1 holds; we have to begin by recognizing the power God holds over every detail of our lives.

God is powerful enough to protect because he rules over all things. It’s not saying nothing bad will happen, but nothing bad happening has authority over you to destroy you apart from God. And we know from Scripture that his thoughts toward us are for our good and for our growth in Christ.

Instead of frantically running to the shelter of the Most High in a moment of crisis, we choose to dwell, to remain, to live and move and breathe in this shelter that is hidden and secret, because our life is hidden in Christ and our lives are ordered by El Elyon the only one with ultimate authority.

Hidden with Christ

If you are in a place of crisis right now, let this truth encourage you. El Elyon - God Most High - is sovereignly moving and reigning in your tragedies. He is working good, kneading it like yeast in bread, to create a well-risen life full of his grace. Our lives are hidden with Christ in God. This is our home. This is our shelter in the storm. He is the strong one with ultimate authority. Nothing happens outside of his complex and wonderful plan. This shelter can withstand the strongest of winds.

We have a picture in one of the rooms in our house of a giant lighthouse. Huge waves are pummeling this lighthouse and if you look really closely in the doorway of this lighthouse, there stands a man with his hands in his pockets. He carries the confidence of this lighthouse’s strength. He is not afraid of the destruction of the waves, because he is safe in the shelter of the lighthouse which is his home.

God is our lighthouse. He is powerful enough to turn good out of evil. He has the final say and no chaos operates outside his rule. When we call him God Most High it reorients our fear. Fear causes our hearts to cower at the powerfulness of a desperate situation, but faith towers over the situation with the confidence of the One who trumps all.

Next week, we will look at the intentional ordering of Most High and Almighty in this verse and the differences between dwelling in the shelter of the Most High and abiding in the shadow of the Almighty. But for now, settle yourself in the strong One’s presence. Position yourself in his secure shelter always, not just when trials arise. Your position is secure when you place yourself under his authority, even when things don’t make sense in your life, you can be confident that the Most High - El Elyon - holds your life together.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rootedwithrachel.substack.com

If you feel like there is no point to putting in effort towards something maybe because you are unsure of your ability or insecure of your calling then today’s message is for you!

Currently at our church, we are going through the Gospel of John. This past Sunday we were in John 2 looking at the first of Jesus’ miracles: Turning Water into Wine. This first miracle was performed at a wedding and if you know the story, you know how it goes. Jesus turned the water into wine. If you’re new to this story, here it is in a nutshell: Jesus was invited to a wedding with his disciples, his mother and his siblings. They run out of wine before the celebration is over, which is a huge embarrassment in that day. So, Mary, Jesus’ mother, comes to Jesus in full confidence and says they are out of wine. Jesus responds basically by saying, “What do you want me to do about it? My time has not yet come.” Then she turns to the servants and she says to them, “Do whatever he tells you to do.”

This is the first sentence that jumped out at me and as I’m reading this and hearing this message a thought begins forming and taking shape in my mind and heart. Later, the pastor confirmed the message God was forming in my heart by saying almost the exact same thing I was thinking. Two powerful sentences in this passage shaped my understanding and encouraged my heart. The first one:

“Do whatever he tells you to do.”

This sentence speaks to simple obedience even when it doesn’t make sense or your unsure of your ability. It’s obedience in the face of uncertainty.

Wherever you are right now, if you’re afraid of moving forward because you’re unsure of your abilities or insecure in your calling hear this one simple command: “Do whatever he tells you to do.” Even if it doesn’t make sense. Even if it’s scary. Even if it’s silly. Do whatever he tells you to do.

Jesus Wills It

Next Jesus commands the servants to fill six large water jars used for the purification ritual with water. Now, this is a very strange request because they were out of wine and I’m sure the servants are wondering how this is going to help solve that problem. But the servants do what Jesus tells them to do; they go and it says they filled the jars to the brim.

Think about this for a minute, Jesus had not touched the water. He had not spoken to the water. He had not touched the containers or lifted a finger to participate in this miracle. The only thing he has done is to command the servants to obey a simple request to fill the containers with water, so they obey. Then Jesus asked them to do another very strange thing he asked them to take some of the water to the master of the banquet.

Now we don’t know at what point the water was turned into a wine. We do know the servant’s witnessed this but we don’t know at what point they saw this happen. What if it wasn’t yet? What if they were like, “You want us to do what? You want us to take a cup of water to the master of the banquet and ask him to taste it??” Can you imagine how scary and silly that would have sounded to them? But they obey the command: “Do whatever he tells you to do.” They took the cup to the master of the banquet, and something amazing happens. Jesus turns the water into wine without touching it without speaking to it. He simply wills it to happen. This is huge!

Jesus Saves the Best for Last

The master took one taste and was astonished that they would save the best for last. This is the second sentence that impacted me and shaped my understanding.

“You have kept the good wine until the end!”

Normally they would give the guests the cheap wine after they were a little tipsy, but the master was amazed that they kept the good wine until now. Don’t miss this.

Jesus does his best work with your obedience. It’s not about your ability or calling or gifts; it’s about his will and his glory. He saves the best for last. The servants did exactly what Jesus told them to do and they witnessed a miracle. They obeyed and Jesus willed it to happen. It wasn’t because of their amazing abilities or gift-ings; it was because Jesus willed it to happen.

Step Out with Full Confidence in Jesus

In your moment of uncertainty, this is what Jesus is asking of you. If you are stuck right now and not moving forward in that thing you want to do, whatever it is — do whatever he tells you to do. No matter how silly it sounds. No matter how scary it is. Do whatever he tells you to do with full confidence in him and if it’s his will, he will WILL it to happen for his own glory. The result is up to him and our job is simply to obey. It’s not about your gifts. It’s not about your calling. It’s about his will and his glory because at the end of this passage, it says in this miracle Jesus manifested his glory and the disciples believed. That’s what it’s all about.

He wills it to happen. He turns your water — whatever that may be right now — into wine simply because of your act of obedience and if it is in line with his will, he WILLS it to happen and the results are to glorify him. He receives all the glory because it’s not about your ability. It’s not about your gifts. It’s not about your calling, it’s about his will and his glory. Trust him. Have full confidence in him his ability to WILL it to happen without a word just simply through your obedience and trust in him according to his will and for his glory.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rootedwithrachel.substack.com

There is so much buildup to a new year isn’t there? I think we tend to be let down so quickly in January because we build it up so much coming into the new year. We all love the idea of a fresh new page, a fresh new start, but I guarantee you, many of you guys, just like me, started January 1 (maybe even at 1 AM in the morning) with already a blotch on your new year. It could’ve been an argument. It could’ve been an unwanted thought that entered your mind and soiled day one of the new year. It could’ve been a missed opportunity — whatever it was — your new year was already spoiled.

Something I am coming to realize more and more is the only way for us to experience a fresh start is for our lives to be hidden in Christ all year long, not just December 31, not just January 1, but always. Whether you are a New Year’s resolution person or not, today I want to encourage you to hide yourself in Christ.

Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. - Isaiah 43:19

I am praying that God would “do a new thing” in our lives in 2026! As you face a new year, keep yourself hidden in him. He will not disappoint. He will not let you down. His plans for you are for your good even if your year includes hard things. Hold your plans with open hands and trust your year to him.

The Word of the Year

Instead of New Year’s resolutions, we do a word of the year. It’s just one simple way to bring focus to our year. My word of the year for 2026 is “ABIDE”. I love this word. It is a word that has consumed my meditations recently. I am just starting to scratch the surface on the meaning of this word “abide”. I will be sharing more about this in the coming weeks here on this Substack and in the podcast, but for now, the verse that I’ve chosen for this word is not necessarily the passage you would expect.

The word “abide” shows up over forty times in the Gospel of John, but it also shows up in a specific passage that a lot of people associate with the word “abide” in John 15. Jesus teaches that the only way to produce fruit is to abide in him. Apart from him, we can do nothing. This would be the obvious verse to choose, but instead, I’m leaning on the Old Testament equivalent to the John 15 passage.

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. - Psalm 91:1

There is so much in this one little verse that I can’t wait to unpack it with you! So much is stuffed into those words: dwell, abide, shadow, shelter, Most High and Almighty. Stay tuned in the coming weeks as we dive into those words. I can’t wait for all God is going to teach us through this one tiny verse!

I don’t know if you choose a word of the year or if you pick goals for the year or choose things you want to aspire to and accomplish, but I just want to encourage you with this simple reminder: Hold your plans for the new year in open hands. Allow Jesus to set the pace for your new year. Resist the urge to plan out your year and set yourself up for disappointment; instead, release your year to Christ. Give everything and everyone to him and know that the only way to turn a fresh page is hiding ourselves in Christ every day, every moment, every year.

Share Your Word

If you chose a word for 2026, I would love for you to share it here! Comment your word of 2026 below.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rootedwithrachel.substack.com

Today is our last day on this Advent journey through The Sounds of Silence. But it doesn’t end here. You are most likely still in your season of waiting or about to enter into a season of waiting. My prayer is that we would submit to God during every season, that we would treasure up in our hearts all the lessons he wants to teach us about ourselves and himself, and as we trust him, we would increase in wisdom and in favor with God and man.

Remember: Luke 2:51-52

And he [Jesus] went down with them [Mary and Joseph] and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man. - Luke 2:51-52

Jesus, the Word made flesh, the Creator of all mankind, the Sovereign King of the world was submissive to his earthly parents. This was true humility. He obeyed their word, he followed their rules, he honored their authority, he willingly humbled himself while wrapped in our human flesh.

Mary’s response to his submission goes all the way back to her reaction to the shepherd’s visit and proclamation. While others wondered with amazement at the heralding of the news: “Today, a Savior has been born to you!”, Mary stored up all these things in her heart. Little treasures that she would no doubt draw from later. She had a front row view to the true humility of our loving God.

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. - Philippians 2:5-8

Meanwhile, Jesus increased in wisdom, grew physically and found favor with God and man. This wasn’t because he had perfect parents, this was a testimony of God’s grace and faithfulness in the life of the growing Messiah. What an encouragement to us as imperfect parents. We are fully aware of our flaws, but God is writing our children’s story, weaving in all our imperfections alongside his faithfulness and grace. He matures us through parenting and he grows our children in spite of our parenting. As we submit to his guidance and obey him, we treasure these things in our hearts always, trusting that he is using all things, even our mistakes, to develop us into mature followers of Christ.

Reflect

As you move on from this journey, may you treasure these things in your heart. May we never lose the gift of the sense of wonder that waiting seasons bring. It’s so easy to forget God’s faithfulness when the waiting is over, or fail to see his faithfulness in the silence. So, whether you are in a season of waiting, experiencing silence, grappling with grief or sitting in a place of peace today, submit to his perfect plan. Treasure these little glimpses of his grace in the darkness. Trust that he is maturing you and growing you through the process. Bask in his favor resting on you because of Christ. Listen to the sounds in the silence.

Respond

Carry this breath prayer in your heart today:

Breathe In:

Jesus, you humbled yourself,

Breathe Out:

I submit to you.

The Journey

Thank you for following along on this Advent journey! My hope is that it brought you encouragement in whatever waiting room you find yourself in during this Advent season. Keep following my newsletter and podcast for what’s next. You can subscribe to my newsletter here.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rootedwithrachel.substack.com

Seasons of suffering and silence grow us in ways we would have never grown if we had not walked though the fire. There are aspects about God and his character we wouldn’t have known had we not experienced those hard places. We learn about his faithfulness. His kindness in the encouragement from another believer. His provision. We often don’t see this in the middle. How many times have you come to almost appreciate your season of waiting because of how it made you stronger in the Lord and forced you to trust him more?

Remember: Luke 2:39-40

And when they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him. - Luke 2:39-40

We don’t often think that Jesus would need to experience growth and strengthening. Remember, he is God in the flesh. The Creator of all mankind. He had to learn to walk and feed himself. He went through puberty. He faced temptations and struggles with the limitations that come with living in a human body. The amazing part of all this is that he did every bit of it without sin. He was tempted like we were. He struggled with the same things that we struggled with. He felt grief and pain and sadness and sickness. He walked through it all in purity, because the favor of God was on him.

Reflect

Our season of waiting and suffering is meant to strengthen us, to grow our faith, to make us stronger in our trust, to leave us more dependent on him. Whatever you may be facing right now, know that God is strengthening you and growing you in the process. But more than that, rest in the fact that because of Jesus — because he lived a perfect, sinless life — that life is gifted to us. When God looks at you, he sees his perfect Son. His favor is resting on you, even IN you!

So, in your current circumstance right now, as you trust in Jesus, as you wait, know that God‘s favor rests on you. He is strengthening you through the trial and growing you. He will give you wisdom as you wait if you simply ask.

Respond

Carry this breath prayer in your heart today:

Breathe In:

When I feel weak,

Breathe Out:

You are my strength.

The Journey

This journey will take us through December 25th. My hope is that it would bring you encouragement in whatever waiting room you find yourself in during this Advent season. Each daily podcast will be short and sweet, leaving you with something to carry in your heart as you wait. You can also subscribe to my newsletter here.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rootedwithrachel.substack.com

You know what it feels like when you are tired, exhausted and ready to go home, but someone asks you at the last minute to do them a favor? Or a child asks you to pick up something from the store on the way home? You really just want to go home, but you stop by the store anyway, or you do that friend a favor because you care about them. Sometimes, God asks us to remain in a place of waiting and suffering because he has work to do there. We really just want to leave, move on from this hard place and on to brighter days, but God is asking us to shelter in place.

Remember: Matthew 2:13-15

Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt I called my son.” - Matthew 2:13-15

I wonder if Mary and Joseph felt the same way. They had already made a very stressful journey including a birth among animals with lots of strangers visiting. I’m sure all they wanted to do was go home as a new little family. But God had other plans that were not only part of their protection, but also part of the fulfillment of his word through the prophet Hosea. God was taking Mary and Joseph back to the place of slavery for their people. The last place someone would search for “The King of the Jews.”

Perhaps the hardest part was there was no end in sight. An angel of the Lord told Joseph in a dream to “flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you.” Until I tell you. Not a week or a month or even a year, they had no idea how long they would stay in Egypt. How interesting that they (along with Jesus) would experience the same waiting that Israel felt when they were slaves in Egypt for 430 years?

Reflect

Sometimes we can feel like our season of waiting will last over 400 years! We would love nothing more than to say goodbye to this season, to go home. But sometimes God has us remain in a season of waiting to do something in our hearts and in other people’s hearts. He is moving circumstances and time, sometimes even protecting us during our season of exile. Mary, Joseph and Jesus remained in Egypt for approximately two years. While they sheltered in place, they didn’t stop living,

Today, if you are feeling like you are ready to be done with this season; I pray that you would trust that God is working in the waiting. Sometimes he asks us to remain — to shelter in place — so that he can prepare things for our relief. See your situation as a God-ordained place of shelter instead of a place of slavery. Trust his plan. Trust his timing. Don’t let this season keep you from living in the exile, “Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness” (Psalm 37:3)

Respond

Carry this breath prayer in your heart today:

Breathe In:

God, you ordained this place of shelter

Breathe Out:

Help me cultivate faithfulness here.

The Journey

This journey will take us through December 25th. My hope is that it would bring you encouragement in whatever waiting room you find yourself in during this Advent season. Each daily podcast will be short and sweet, leaving you with something to carry in your heart as you wait. You can also subscribe to my newsletter here.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rootedwithrachel.substack.com

Have you ever known someone that just seems to always find the perfect gift? They are the best gift givers. Gift giving seems to come naturally for them. It is their joy to give gifts as an act of love and service to those they adore and appreciate. Some people are just amazing at finding and choosing the perfect gift. Even though the gifts chosen are simple, the joy in which they are given transforms the simplest of gifts into the most meaningful of gifts.

Remember: Matthew 2:9-12

After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way. - Matthew 2:9-12

The wisemen followed the star until it rested over the place where the child was. This long-awaited, highly-anticipated Shepherd King. And they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. How do you even describe their joy? They rejoiced with overflowing happiness. The joy of finding the One they had been searching for turns into unhindered worship. They fell down and worshiped him. All their questions and curiosity and journeying led them to the answer. But they didn’t come empty-handed. They came bearing gifts.

These gifts weren’t just random items they had with them, they were planned and specifically chosen for this Shepherd King. These meaningful gifts presented to Jesus represent so much more than wealth and extravagance. Gold was the gift of royalty. A gift for a king and something given to support Mary and Joseph during their travels and escape to Egypt from the murderous plans of Herod. Frankincense was often used in temple worship by the priests. Myrrh was used at Jesus’ burial. Three gifts for this tiny baby who was a Kind King, a Perfect Priest and the Savior of the world. Each gift shows the thoughtfulness of the gift givers.

Reflect

Where has your journey through waiting led you? Joy is possible when we journey toward Jesus. He is a Kind King, a Perfect Priest and your Savior. We are constantly asking for his gifts, praying for him to bless us, but how do we worship him in our waiting? What meaningful gift will you bring to him? Sometimes, the gift we bring is simply a sacrifice of praise. Praise when our hearts are still hurting. Praise when the silence hasn’t lifted. Praise when the waiting is long. This is a sacrifice. It costs us something to lay down our expectations and wants and time-tables on the altar.

Every gift-giver will say that they derive more joy from giving gifts than from receiving gifts. A sacrifice of praise is our gift to Jesus that causes our hearts to rejoice with overflowing happiness, not because our circumstances have changed but because he remains the same. Our Kind King, our Perfect Priest and our Sinless Savior born for us. Rejoice in this.

Respond

Carry this breath prayer in your heart today:

Breathe In:

Jesus, you are worthy

Breathe Out:

Of my sacrifice of praise.

The Journey

This journey will take us through December 25th. My hope is that it would bring you encouragement in whatever waiting room you find yourself in during this Advent season. Each daily podcast will be short and sweet, leaving you with something to carry in your heart as you wait. You can also subscribe to my newsletter here.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rootedwithrachel.substack.com

How do you typically react when God’s plan doesn’t fit with your expectations? Sometimes our rescue comes from small and insignificant places. Our silence breaks when we least expect it to and in ways we would never have imagined.

Remember: Matthew 2:3-8

When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’” Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” - Matthew 2:3-8

A small, quiet town was the setting for the Savior’s birth. The least of all places to expect a king to be born. A ruler who will have a true shepherd’s heart. One who could not be swayed by public opinion or bought with money. A Shepherd King worthy of worship.

Each of Israel’s kings had the reputation of failing miserably. Not one of them was completely good. They all had corrupt places in their hearts, some greater than others. Herod was a puppet king, impotent in power. Rome was calling the shots. So, you can imagine the jealousy that filled his heart at the news that a child had been born with the title “The King of the Jews”. The wisemen’s journey was of great interest to him, not because he was a truth seeker, but because he wanted to protect his position. He secretly wanted to nip this rising king in the bud before he could steal his throne. He didn’t really want to worship him, he wanted to wipe him out.

The people were longing for a king who would rule with justice and kindness, a king who was pure in heart. They were waiting on the Shepherd King that Micah had promised would come to Bethlehem. But just like us, their expectations of what this would look like, was nothing like how they thought it would play out.

Reflect

In this season of waiting and silence, your Shepherd King steps in quietly. Even though you feel forgotten, he is still working and leading in kindness. Perhaps your season feels small like Bethlehem. God uses those unseen seasons as an opportunity to grow your faith. Silence does not mean absence. Your Shepherd King is working behind the scenes. He leads you gently through your season of waiting. Trust his shepherding heart.

Respond

Carry this breath prayer in your heart today:

Breathe In:

Shepherd King, you are working

Breathe Out:

I trust your heart.

The Journey

This journey will take us through December 25th. My hope is that it would bring you encouragement in whatever waiting room you find yourself in during this Advent season. Each daily podcast will be short and sweet, leaving you with something to carry in your heart as you wait. You can also subscribe to my newsletter here.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rootedwithrachel.substack.com

How many times have you wished God would put a sign in the sky telling you which way to go, what to do, which path to choose; just something that would give you a clear direction? I think we’ve all been there and we all wish we had a clear sign in the sky, a billboard that tells us what to do. But God works differently. He works in the realm of trust.

Remember: Matthew 2:1-2

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” - Matthew 2:1-2

The wisemen were given a sign. But they still had to step out in faith. God met them where they were, foreigners unfamiliar with the promises of Israel. They hadn’t personally experienced the privileges of the people of God; they did not practice the religious rituals, but they studied it from a distance. God gave them an unmistakable sign so that they would discover the king who was born for the world.

Even though a miraculous sign in the heavens started their journey they still had to take the journey and ask questions and search for the answers. A sign in the sky did not exempt them from trusting. They still had to step into the realm of trust.

Their goal was worship. Not comfort or riches or fame. They held wonder in their hearts and they stayed curious. They asked questions, moving them towards the truth. Trusting in the uncertainty brings us to a place of clarity.

Reflect

Maybe right now you wish you had a clear sign. You’ve waited for so long that you’re not even sure which direction to take. Like the wiseman, we are foreigners who must step into the realm of trust. We read the Christmas story we see the signs of the baby born in a manger and the star in the sky; and like these truth seekers, we must respond in faith. We must take the step to begin the journey. We must ask the questions and search for the answers. We must stay curious. And then we must trust and have faith in the promise fulfilled.

The wise men believed because they saw. We are called to believe before we see.

“Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” - John 20:29

Signs can point the way, but trust forms intimacy. This is where our faith is built. What is God asking you to trust him with today? How will you move forward in your season of waiting? What step of faith is he asking you to take? Will you step into the realm of trust, take the next step and trust him to make your path straight?

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” - Isaiah 30:21

Respond

Carry this breath prayer in your heart today:

Breathe In:

Jesus, I step into the realm of trust

Breathe Out:

Help me take the next step.

The Journey

This journey will take us through December 25th. My hope is that it would bring you encouragement in whatever waiting room you find yourself in during this Advent season. Each daily podcast will be short and sweet, leaving you with something to carry in your heart as you wait. You can also subscribe to my newsletter here.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rootedwithrachel.substack.com

If you have ever experienced love and then have known the loss of that love, you are familiar with the unimaginable pain this leaves in your heart. Or maybe you long for love and hold the empty space of not having that need met yet on this earth. How do we remain faithful when we go through loss and waiting? How do we speak sincerity into the sorrow?

Remember: Luke 2:36-38

And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem. - Luke 2:36-38

Anna had experienced the pain of loss and the pain of waiting. Her name means “grace”. She knew love and loss. But yet, in her silence, she did not withdraw from God she drew closer. She did not depart, but worshipped with fasting and prayer, day and night. This became her love, this filled the space once occupied by loss.

Then, one day, a small humble family walked into the temple to obey the law and she immediately knew. Her heart was so in tune with God and His Spirit, that she recognized his coming even in the unexpected package of a child.

Anna’s name means “grace”. As she laid her aging eyes on this tiny infant, she was so confident, that even as she was walking toward him, her heart overflowed with thanksgiving. And she speaks of grace. She gives God thanks and she speaks of him to anyone who would listen, all those waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.

Simeon and Anna are both present as a modern day prophet and prophetess, to announce to the world that the waiting is over. The prophet’s promise has been fulfilled. Grace has come.

Reflect

If you are waiting today, follow Anna’s example. Don’t allow this season to draw you away from God, but instead, allow it to draw you closer to his heart. Worshipping in the waiting keeps your heart so in tune, that you recognize his work immediately even though it might be packaged in an unexpected way.

We don’t ignore the reality of the hard, but we speak sincere truth into the sorrow. Give thanks to him for every glimpse of grace you see in your life and in others. Speak of him to anyone who would listen. Speak of his goodness, even in your waiting. Speak of his faithfulness in your pain. Speak of his love that never gives up. Speak of his hope that fills the empty places in your heart. Speak of him to all those who are waiting. Don’t allow loss to steal your voice.

Respond

Carry this breath prayer in your heart today:

Breathe In:

Jesus, you are the gift of grace

Breathe Out:

Even in my sorrow.

The Journey

This journey will take us through December 25th. My hope is that it would bring you encouragement in whatever waiting room you find yourself in during this Advent season. Each daily podcast will be short and sweet, leaving you with something to carry in your heart as you wait. You can also subscribe to my newsletter here.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rootedwithrachel.substack.com