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“I am counting on the LORD; yes, I am counting on him. I have put my hope in His word. I long for the LORD more than sentries long for the dawn, yes, more than sentries long for the dawn. O Israel, hope in the LORD; for with the LORD there is unfailing love. His redemption overflows. He himself will redeem Israel from every kind of sin.” Psalm 130:5–8

Advent reminds us that waiting is a normal part of life. And drifting often times accompanies our restless spirits as our time of waiting is prolonged. But Scripture gives us something solid to hold onto while we wait on the day of our hope to arrive.

David teaches us that our hope is not based on positive thinking or on trying to convince ourselves from within that everything will work out. Our hope rests on the promises of God found in His Word. And one promise undergirds all the others: God’s unfailing love—hesed (transliteration of the Hebrew חֶ֫סֶד).

When we talk about God’s love, we’re not talking about something sentimental or vague. We’re talking about a conscious volition that shapes every part of our faith. The interpretation of that Hebrew word, חֶ֫סֶד, points us to three truths of God’s love that gives us real hope as we wait on Him.

First, God’s love is unconditional. There is nothing we must do to earn it, and there is nothing we can do to deserve it. He loves us because He chooses to, not because we impress Him by performing well.

Second, God’s love is loyal to the end. Even though we are prone to wander, His love remains constant. He pursued us before we responded to Him, and He stays with us even when we stumble. His loyalty doesn’t rise and fall with our spiritual consistencies.

Third, God’s love never quits. The greatest demonstration of God’s love is the gifting of His Son who, on the cross, purchased our forgiveness; and He said there before taking His last breath, “It is finished.” We’ve experienced redemption here and now, and we can be confident that His redemption continues to overflow and one day sin will no longer be a factor and glory will be experienced for eternity.

So, as you continue your Advent journey toward Christmas—and as you navigate the ups and downs of life—be filled with a steady confidence: God’s love never fails, and a beautiful future in Christ awaits.

Hope in the LORD. Hope in His Word. And rest in the truth that His love holds you fast.