Anticipation is not always a good thing. It can feel very frustrating to have to put off satisfaction until later. Preparing a delicious meal and smelling all the food cooking can really whet your appetite for what you will eat, but waiting can drive you to madness. Watching the mail for that check you are expecting or that package you ordered can seem an eternity.
But as I grow older I find that I am more willing to put off that time of reward and completeness and enjoy the time of waiting. It may seem odd, but there is a sense of thrill to be expecting something good that is coming your way. And the longer you can anticipate, the more rewarding is the arrival, it seems.
Jesus presents some concepts of anticipation in his “Sermon on the Mount.” Who is blessed? What can they expect to happen?
In his teaching Jesus went straight to the heart of the matter and talked about some real issues for the common person. He talked about poverty, not having enough money to make it comfortably from day to day. He talked about being sad.
When he talked about these things, though, he offered a promise that the people (and us) could hold onto. Things will get better. Be patient. God will move in wonderful ways and things will improve and be wonderful.
Just as I have grown older and learned that anticipating is something I can put up with and almost enjoy, so it is with those who have a maturing faith. Becoming a Christian and becoming a follower of God means that you are entered into a life and journey of expectation and anticipation.
As believers in God we are on a journey of faith. We can (hopefully) see our own spiritual strength and discipline grow deeper and better year after year. With each passing year we learn to expect more and more holy moments and encounters with God. We learn to anticipate more opportunities to serve God.
Ultimately, we are also living a life of expectation – expecting to be gathered home in glory. We anticipate a final return of Christ, and until that day we live a life expecting to see God moving in our lives and the lives of others. We expect to see God’s grace and mercy and justice.
This anticipation and expectation should bring us hope, and in that hope we should find joy.
DAILY CHALLENGE: What can make it easier for you to put up with life’s struggles?
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