Daily Dose of the Word of God - Psalm 27: 13-14

Erin Pacheco, Director of Worship 

Transcript

Erin Pacheco  0:10 

Welcome to Elmhurst CRC’s Daily Dose of the Word of God. It’s Friday, November 22, and Sunday is coming! I’m Erin Pacheco, director of worship here at ECRC. This Sunday is a special Sunday at our church as we wrap up our Hearts Ablaze series and really reflect on what the Holy Spirit is doing in our lives and in our church. Our Scripture today is one of the key verses for this Sunday: Psalm 27:13-14. 

Erin Pacheco  0:44 

I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart, and wait for the Lord. 

Erin Pacheco  1:13 

A friend recently sent me a piece of devotional writing by Ruth Chou Simons about the difference between expectation and expectancy. I’d like to read some of it to you: Expectations leave us weary and discontent, believing we deserve more or better. They always leave us unfulfilled and doubtful about whether God is for our good. But expectancy is anticipation mingled with joy. It’s believing God is who He says He is while waiting patiently for his good to be revealed, however He chooses to reveal it. Expectancy remembers what is already more than one deserves; expectation demands more. Expectancy sets our sights on God’s promises rather than the empty pursuit of all that cannot truly satisfy... When we turn from expectations to being expectant, we will never be disappointed because God never disappoints. What he promises, he will do. 

Erin Pacheco  2:17 

I’m reminded of Jesus’ disciples on the day of Pentecost, the day when the Holy Spirit was poured out. What were they doing before that happened? They were together, all in one place, waiting and praying. In short, they had gathered with expectancy. And God showed up. There are already so many testimonies in our community of how God’s Spirit has been moving in recent weeks, softening hearts and bringing conviction and renewal and joyful obedience, in all sorts of ways. And I am confident that there are so many more stories of God’s goodness coming — some even as a direct result of the commitments we will make on Sunday. Like the psalmist, I am confident that, when we wait on the Lord, we will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of living.   As we prepare for worship on Sunday, let’s do so with prayerful expectancy – and watch and see what God will do when we are gathered together, waiting for him. 

Erin Pacheco  3:33  

Let’s pray. God, by the power of your Holy Spirit, you have sustained your church over two thousand years, through many trials and valleys. We in this church are a small part of your global family, seeking to be faithful in this place, in this moment. Help us to release the expectations and demands that we place on you, and enter this moment instead with expectancy for how your Spirit will lead us — and maybe even surprise us. We are waiting on you. Thank you for always being faithful. Amen.