Our Advent devotional for today comes to us from my friend and colleague Rachael Capua. I have no doubt that many of you know Rachael – she has fully immersed herself in the life of the university over the course of this past year as a TCU employee, after having been extremely involved as a student a few years ago. Rachael now serves as the Assistant Director of the Sophomore & Junior Experience in the Student Development Services Office. Anytime you see Rachael you’ll be met with a big smile and a warm heart. Her genuine desire to care for others and improve the world we live in is evident in everything she does. I trust that you’ll find her words for us today to be heartfelt, helpful, and healing. May you be filled with PEACE as you read this devotional today…
An Advent Devotional, by Rachael Capua
Be still.
Two of the most difficult words the Lord continues to rest on my heart. I often find that transforming feelings of anxiety into prayer can be challenging.
Am I fulfilling my full potential? Am I intentionally drawing closer to His purpose? What is in store next?
Pastor Robert Morris of Gateway Church once said that “the key to walking in gratitude is remembering where we were before God rescued us.” How can we turn such anxiety we may feel into joy? How can we walk in affirmation of His goodness and all that He has promised? I’ve found that the answer to these questions is trust – trusting in the power of peace. And, understanding the importance of being still (even in the difficult times).
Walking in gratitude allows us to feel a sense of God’s wholeness. In John 16:33 Jesus himself says “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
In moments of defeat or uncertainty, I rest in these words of comfort and hope. Whether it was a big decision in where to pursue graduate school, a career/industry change, or simply learning when to say “yes” and when to say “no”, peace in God’s word and truth has been a powerful tool. He never disappoints.
When He says to be still. I am reminded that everything that may seem over my head, is under His feet. I must be patient, I must be willing to adjust my timeline, and I must unreservedly jump knowing that faith will catch me.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Lord, help us to live as Philippians 4:6 tells us to, to not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, to present our requests to God. May our hearts of gratitude and the power of peace overcome feelings of doubt, anxiety, unworthiness, fear, and hesitation. Give us the strength to be still when waiting can be hard. May we pursue opportunities to serve, trust and know you better each and every day. Amen.
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