Listen to this devotion
Stopped In My Tracks
A devotion for the 1st Sunday in Advent
In the Word
"Hear this, O Job; stop and consider the wondrous works of God” (Job 37:14).
Of the Word
I was in a hurry; I had a lot to do. I was driving to my appointment when suddenly I had to stop. Train tracks cut through the center of our city, interrupting life too often. Two freight lines use these tracks, and when you hear that ear-blasting horn and see the red flashing lights, you stop.
You do not know when the train will come, but you know it will be when you are “in a hurry” and “have a lot to do.” Those long, wasted minutes waiting for that impossibly long train can ruin your schedule — and your attitude.
In today’s brief reading from Job, we hear from his friend, Elihu. He tells Job, “Stop.” Job has lost everything — his family, his home, and even his health. Elihu does not tell him to work harder, worry more, heal faster, or pray better. “Stop.”
“Stop” is a good word for Advent. Stop your worry, your anger, your impatience, your heartache, and your rushing. Stop and turn your eyes to God. Consider His wondrous works — His awesome creation, His majestic power, His everlasting love. And, most of all, consider His mighty work of salvation through Jesus Christ.
As the train rolls by — stop. Turn off your engine. Roll down your window. Listen to the loud steely noise of metal on metal and thank God that today you stop — and consider Him.
Walking with my Lord
Wonder-working God, vast and infinite, close and present, remind me this Advent to stop — and consider Your wondrous works, a delight to my heart. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible unless otherwise noted. (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Mustard Seed: Stopped In My Tracks by Christine Weerts, Selma, Alabama.
Copyright© 2025 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League. All rights reserved.
lwml.org
