The Weekly Word Advent Series - A Devotion for the Third Week of Advent
During the busy month of December, we are offering this special Weekly Word Advent Series as an invitation to turn away for a few moments from the holiday hustle and turn toward the One who came to save us.
This week’s Scripture is from Isaiah 40:3-5 (NIV).
A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”
These verses are a call to action, informing us that we have an important role in preparing the way for the Lord – not only so that others may come to God, but also so that we ourselves may connect more deeply with Him as well. In other words, God calls us to remove the obstacles in our lives that are inhibiting a more authentic relationship with Him.
Maybe it’s unbalanced priorities, distraction, inattention or idolatry that are getting in the way of your relationship with God. Or maybe it’s an unhealthy relationship, a grudge, a bad habit or even doubt that’s obstructing your way.
God yearns for us to make a straight path toward Him. It’s time to take an honest inventory of whatever obstacles are coming between you and God. What might be standing in your way?
Heavenly Father, I let so many things, both big and small, get in the way of my relationship with You. Forgive me for my inattention, my distraction, my ingratitude, my mixed-up priorities. Create in me a clean heart, Lord, so that I may focus entirely on You. Amen.