[Joel's Lessons] Anticipation (Dec 5)
Joel Warren
The other day we were playing with Lilie and she was having lots of fun (well, we all were). She was laughing and squealing. Sometimes we tickle her and she laughs. But sometimes, just the anticipation of the tickling makes her squeal. If we act like we're about to do something funny, she'll laugh just as hard as if we'd already done it. She laughs again, of course, when we finally follow through. Well, it got me thinking a little bit about anticipation, anyway.
Anticipation – the act of looking forward; especially pleasurable expectation.
Tit 2:11-15 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, (12) Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; (13) Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ; (14) Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. (15) These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.
Php 1:19-20 For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, (20) According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.
Psa 62:5-8 My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him. (6) He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defense; I shall not be moved. (7) In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. (8) Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.
Pro 24:14 So shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul: when thou hast found it, then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off.
We wait for the coming of the Lord. We wait for answers to prayer. We wait for direction. We wait for so many things. Do we wait in anticipation or do we grumble and get impatient? I think that you'll find that the joy is greater when you anticipate the answer. For if you are impatient, your answer will likely be, "Finally…Took long enough." Pray expectantly for God to work in your life and the lives of others. Wait expectantly for the coming of the Lord. Yearn expectantly for the leading of the Spirit.
Pray about it—let your life be full of joyful anticipation!
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Posted By Joel Warren to Joel's Lessons at 12/05/2010 01:00:00 PM