Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.

— Psalm 27:14

Today’s Scripture reading describes how the psalmist has faced real threats from wicked people, enemies, armies, oppressors, and false witnesses—all bent on destroying him. The psalm includes bold declarations about not fearing those foes, and it offers pleading prayers for God’s protection as opponents come near.

I have found that my experience of God’s peace can change from one circumstance to the next as well. There are moments of bold faith when I am not frightened. I believe God and am ready to follow wherever he leads. Then there are times when I feel doubts overtaking my faith, and I find myself begging God to save me. In situations like that, the threats can seem bigger and more powerful than God.

This back-and-forth movement is part of our faith journey. We recognize that if the certainty of our peace with God and our salvation depends on us, we will fall short. In Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection, God secures us from all that threatens, and we are strengthened for the life of faith that God calls us into.

During the Advent season, we learn to wait in confidence, not denying our struggles but leaning into the peace that is ours through Jesus Christ, who secures us in God’s light and salvation.

God, thank you for making our salvation secure in Jesus Christ. Help us to wait with confident hope that even when the world seems gathered against us, you will not forsake us. Amen.