For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.
⁃Romans 8:18
Summer’s coming and it’s time to plan a trip out of town. A not so fun doctor’s appointment is scheduled for tomorrow. Will it rain later or will the sun stay out?
We don’t know what the future holds, so all we can do is imagine what might actually take place. Within this, we naturally build anticipation. Anticipation stems from being aware of future possibilities, preparing for them and the possible outcomes.
Anticipation is a big part of our life. Since it’s a natural reaction to what and how we believe the future will unfold, we can naturally dedicate a lot of time to it. From anticipating what will come later in the day, to anticipating those things that might take place years from now, we cannot help but think about all the what if’s.
Anticipation is a two edged sword. It stirs all sorts of emotions in our life. Our anticipation can cause us to worry, fret and dread if uncertainty or a negative aspect of life seems unavoidable. On the other hand, we can become excited, even consumed as we anticipate a vacation, holiday or times with those we love. Many times our expectations are based on previous experiences and outcomes. Unfortunately, anticipation can cause us to react without thinking things all the way through. Many times when the anticipation gets too overwhelming, we can attempt to make things happen sooner than they probably should.
God understands the effects of anticipation on our life. He also knows that in this world, we will have hardship, agony and trials. We will also have elation, happiness and bliss. The reality is, be it a positive or negative expectation, both can cause us to take our eyes off of the Lord.
That’s why His Scriptures are filled with encouragement to set our minds and hearts on the only One who is above all things. The writers of the New Testament continually reassured their readers of the unbound reality of what is to come. No matter what life throws at us or seemingly gifts us, an eternal perspective grants us a stability and steadfastness to which nothing else can compare. Consider James’ words in James 1:12, Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love Him. Even though life comes at us at a hundred miles an hour, we are blessed when we stay anchored to the Rock of our Salvation, knowing that the Lord will never leave us or forsake us.
Our faith should lead us to the greatest anticipation one can have. To be with Christ for eternity. If anticipation is affected by past experiences, then it is those very experiences we have had and are having with God, that builds our anticipation of all the glorious things to come to those who walk with and serve the Lord. In Romans 15:13, Paul admonishes the reader when he writes, May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
How often is our anticipation built in hope? Only the promise of Jesus brings hope into our life. So if you have been distracted by anticipating all those great things that this world might provide or your anticipation is bringing on anxiety, maybe it’s time to just take a breath, reflect on Christ and consider the great joy that is before us in Christ our Lord.
