Do you have times of anticipation that lift your spirits?

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Isaiah 40:1-2

My colleague has a delightful three-year-old son. He's cute as a button. Twice a week he comes to work with his dad before going to preschool. When I hear those little feet scampering down the hall, my heart perks up. There's no better way to start the day than by holding out my arms and having him run into them to give me a hug. No matter how long my to-do list or how stressful my morning, spending a few minutes with my little buddy always sends me back to my desk with a smile on my face.

Do you have times of anticipation that lift your spirits? Daily devotions can be those moments. They center our hearts in the word and attune us to God's voice. We need to encounter God in Scripture because we can forget God's life-giving power. The Bible's words can breathe peace and hope: "Comfort, comfort." "Do not be afraid." "Lo, I will be with you always." They can give our days much-needed perspective.

Thank you, Lord, for lifting our spirits with your reassuring word. Draw us close and refresh us today. Amen.

Shelley Cunningham

Isaiah 40:1-2 (NRSV)

1 Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God.
2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that she has served her term, that her penalty is paid, that she has received from the Lord's hand double for all her sins.