The Ache That Becomes Prayer
Seventeenth Day of Advent. Wednesday, December 17, 2025
Longing, Promise, and Presence
Today’s readings are Psalm 42; Zechariah 8:1-17; Matthew 8:14-17, 28-34;
Dear friends,
Yesterday, I reflected on that familiar verse in Psalm 42: “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God.” It captures what we’ve all experienced in our most honest moments—an unshakeable, deep thirst for something more. We are made for God’s presence; anything less leaves us spiritually parched, restless, and longing. However, both Trudy and I must admit, those moments aren’t easy. We wish the thirst would disappear—be satisfied and fulfilled. Yet, this Advent, we are reminded not to dismiss that longing as a sign of weakness or to try to distract ourselves from it.
Your thirst serves as an invitation, pulling you into the shared experience of all who have waited in darkness, longing for divine arrival. Here lies the beautiful paradox: even during the waiting, something profound unfolds. The ache itself becomes a form of prayer, and your reaching transforms into a sacred encounter. You find a connection between longing and divine presence.
Into that waiting, God makes an audacious promise: “I will return and dwell among my people.” Not maybe. Not if we get our act together first. God stakes everything on this commitment—streets filled with old and young together, a vision of life flourishing under His gracious rule (cf Zechariah 8). Then came Jesus, God-with-us in flesh and blood, touching lepers, welcoming children, and sitting at tables with all the “wrong” people (Matthew 8). Interesting how God shows up.
The presence we long for has already arrived; through Christ’s Spirit, He dwells with us now. We live in this beautiful tension—the kingdom has come, and it is still unfolding. The light has broken into our darkness as we wait for Him.
So now, we’re not merely passing the time until heaven. As we long for God’s complete restoration of us, we participate in what He’s already doing here. We have witnessed this in the small town where we live—friends offering healing to broken places, others bringing peace to chaos through their actions. During this season of anticipation, we become living signs of the presence we await—people in whom God dwells, through whom His kingdom is breaking into the world. Both waiting and working are acts of faithful participation. May God bless you and nourish you on this journey.
Watchful and waiting,
Lord God of heaven and earth, we do not hide our longing or wish it away. Instead, we offer this deep desire to You as a prayer, trusting that the ache itself draws us into Your presence. We rejoice knowing You are here, present with us by Your Spirit, even as we wait for the full renewal of the world. Help us to live gracefully in this beautiful tension. Make us living signs of Your coming now—bringing peace to chaos and healing to our families, neighborhoods, and beyond. We dedicate ourselves to the sacred work of waiting and the faithful actions of Your Kingdom. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.