Abbey Advent: Self Control Week 1 Day 3

Day 3: Self Control - Elizabeth 

Text: Luke 1: 5-7, 24-25

If you don’t post it on social media did it ever really happen? We are a culture of instant gratification. We have no sooner received a blessing than we share it widely and broadly. And while some may argue that they are proclaiming God’s goodness, it could also be said that we are not taking time to ponder what God even did in that gift. 

You see, in our quickness to share (which is sometimes justification masking itself as praise) we don’t fully receive the gift that God is sharing with us. We don’t take the time to receive it with our hearts and only touch it with our hands. 

How long has Elizabeth longed for this moment? How long had she prayed and hoped? It takes a very mature perspective to not rush out and share. Especially when not being able to have a child was seen as a curse and a result of sin. 

I can only imagine the internal smile she had in her soul during those five months of waiting. So that when she did share about God’s gift, it was in a way that she could fully explain what He had one. 

May we take time to ponder and to thank God specifically for what He has done. 

Reflection

Morning: What is one way that God has answered a prayer that you have held on to? How has He intimately answered? 

Afternoon:  How can you create space for God to intimately interact with you? How can you make room to ponder?

Evening: Take some time to rejoice. Rejoice in how God has answered the prayers of others and also how He has answered your prayers.