Anticipation

It is Spring Break and my husband, and I and of course Lady (our lab)  have come early to Colorado to get ready for family, who are driving, following in just a few days. Accommodations, groceries, a warm fire, shoveled out sled course, etc. … all in expectation of their arrival.  For what has been a quiet, settled in atmosphere will soon turn into a joyful chaos of laughter, fun, food, adventure, stories and who knows what else God has planned.  We have been and will continue to pray for God’s blessings and oversight as they venture onward.  

The anticipation for me this week is wonderfully overwhelming. But as I am thinking through this, I am thinking of how God fits into anticipation, and how anticipation sometimes can bring about fear and unsettled anxiety in lieu of looking forward to something of glee.  To anticipate an upcoming event, be it health, relationships, future decisions, etc., is to actively prepare for what is to come. So, what are you anticipating? And what have you asked God to help you handle…so that he will ease your mind of worry and fret? 

So many times we let the world around us muddy our efforts when anticipation is on the forefront and we forget to engage in our faith and what we know, and who we know is running the show.  For whatever comes before us, God has allowed and will give us the strength to address it, remembering that whatever it is, it is in his timing and for his purposes.  When we allow our faith to overcome our uncertainties, God plants his promise of love and security to overrule/overtake our uneasy emotions that are vying for position.   

When we act in trusting anticipation of what God is going to do and how he is in control of the situation, it I then that a peace will gradually set in.  We can always lean into the realization of what God’s path is rather than letting the world take our center stage.  

The question remains: are we letting God work within us and through us? Can we embrace anticipation as a good thing no matter what lies ahead? God has promised good purposes for us  and it is through circumstances that he shapes our lives and enriches our faith. We are called just to give us our controlling reigns and trust Him and not the world that is merely a constant distraction to HIS truth.

It is through faith that God is preparing us each day to be prepared when anticipation takes center stage.  Be expecting and watching for God’s hand to embrace your emotions and give you strength when things to come are on the horizon.  Anticipate God’s involvement and let the fear and anxiety which might arise to be smothered by your growing faith. 

And don’t forget to stay in prayer…. For that keeps you and I focused on what is good and true.  

And as far as anticipation for joyful surprises, and other times too,  embrace them when they come and as they go, and tuck them into your memory for safe keeping.  Remembering that it is God who

orchestrates our many blessings, and his presence is always with us.

 So whether your anticipation is filled with joy or whether it is one of anxious anticipation, restless over an outcome....remember God has got this... and he will give you and I direction, wisdom, strength, peace and   comfort for those times and you will find joy and hold tight to HIS triumphant-intervention and thanksgiving for his faithfulness.

In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly. Psalm 5:3

Lord, Be with us today as our minds are reshaped for what you want us to anticipate. We want to rid ourselves of what the world tells us and listen to only what You have for us. Help us to be obedient in all we do by coming to You for the guidance we so desperately need. Thank You for reminding us that we are not required to do this on our own. Fill us up with Your strength. Amen. Anonymous

Praise God wherever you are and whatever situation He has allowed you to be in . . . His glory will shine through!

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