Anticipation

When important events are coming up, we look forward to them with anticipation. It’s part of the journey. Part of the fun. At least, if it’s a happy event.

The night before a trip or a wedding or a reunion with friends I can hardly sleep because of the excitement rolling around in my head. I’m not worrying. Just concerned that all will go as anticipated, or even better.

Sometimes this anticipation involves smaller events, too. Every time I write a blog, I am wondering how many people will read it. Will they be moved? Blessed? Motivated to do something? I count it a great privilege to be connected with each person who cares about what I have to say.

At this time of quarantine, we are all looking forward to the day we will be set free. We anticipate the reunions in person, the church gatherings, the work opportunities. It shouldn’t fill us with stress. Just happiness at anticipating what many of us have taken for granted in the past. We will enter into renewed connections with increased  appreciation.

What fills you with joyful anticipation today? For me, it’s Christ’s return. Not just so I can escape all of the trials of this life, but because I’m excited to meet Jesus face to face. He promised He would come. Just because it’s taking so long doesn’t mean it won’t happen. Jesus said, “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” That’s John 14:1-3.

In Revelation 3:11, John also records Jesus’ words: “Behold, I am coming soon.” If you are in a good relationship with the Lord, that’s a promise to look forward to. If not, He’s giving you time to reconnect with Him on good terms. Then we can anticipate His return together. He always keeps His promises. Find one that you can claim today.

One day I took a walk and noticed a huge cloud in the blue sky above. I got really excited thinking that this could be the cloud in which Jesus would suddenly show up. Are you looking up? Noticing the signs in the sky? Anticipating His return? How does this anticipation affect what you do and say and think?

Click here to listen to I’m Ready for Your Comin’, Lord.