Anticipation

The theme of this post was actually triggered by a chapter I read in Ruth Graham’s book, Fear Not Tomorrow, God Is Already There, but I woke up this morning with Carly Simon’s song, “Anticipation” in my head. The beginning lyrics are so appropriate:  We can never know about the days to come But we think about them anyway.

I think of anticipation as an emotion—a really powerful one that can raise your blood pressure, leading you to imagined great joy—or even imagined fear, but I intend to explore the positive aspect.

Remember how you looked forward to Christmas or your birthday, or a trip to Disneyland when you were a child? Anticipating marrying the most wonderful person in the world, thinking of holding your newborn child (or grandchild) in your arms—all of these life experiences are part of anticipation.

Now think of a time when your life’s journey seemed to hit a stop sign or a detour and you didn’t have a clue as to what might come next. That’s when we get to practice trust in God. Remember, He’s already in our tomorrows and He’s promised He will never forsake us. On top of that, He really wants His children to anticipate what He has in store for them.

I’m writing this just a few days before I leave for Calgary, Alberta as part of a mission team from my church. We’re going to help/encourage a new church starting in that city in September. And I am really anticipating what God is going to do in Calgary using me and my teammates. Three of our group are retirees which goes to show usefulness and anticipation are not only for the youngJ

When Israel was in bondage to the Egyptian Pharaoh, they anticipated freedom and were led out by 80-year-old Moses.  In Luke chapter 2, God graciously allows us to meet two aged, Godly people who had been anticipating the appearance of Messiah their entire lives. Finally, in their senior years (I’m guessing both Simeon and Anna were in their 80’s), God just happened to orchestrate a meeting between each of them and the young couple from Nazareth with their new-born son, who just happened to be Messiah.

Talk about anticipation with lasting benefits! I guess this being said, I would encourage ALL of us to anticipate what God has ready for us to join in with Him next. If we are looking for it, He won’t have any problem showing us.:) Are you excited yet?