We Do Not Lose Heart

One of my children's all time favorite VBS songs is "We Do Not Lose Heart!" based on 2 Corinthians 4:16-18. The littlest ones always asked, "how do you lose your heart, mama?"

Good question.

As this strange year comes to an end, many of us are trying desperately to do just that: to not lose heart.

"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Some say the original Greek is better translated as courage. We do not lose courage. Easier for children to understand, harder for adults to do in a time of fear and uncertainty.

Advent, which began yesterday, offers us a beautiful opportunity to take heart: a time to be "renewed day by day." We gather courage by "fixing our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen."

We wait, and we watch, and we pray.*

"Come, Thou long expected Jesus

Born to set Thy people free;

From our fears and sins release us,

Let us find our rest in Thee.

Israel's strength and consolation,

Hope of all the earth Thou art;

Dear desire of every nation,

Joy of every longing heart."

*(If you're looking for an Advent reading plan to help you wait, and watch, and pray, check out She Reads Truth. You can get the book or use the app. I'm just following along by finding the readings on their website everyday.)