In this season of transition, I'll admit to being a bit gun-shy. If 2020 taught me any lesson, it was that anything can happen and we're not as in control of our lives as we may think. I feel like I need to brace-for-impact; something is right around the corner and who knows if it will pack a punch.
God's been whispering, "Joyful expectation." Joyful expectation? Isn't that a bit naïve? Isn't it a bit simple to be expecting good things, sunshine and rainbows, after the year we've had?
I'm working on it.
The Bible has several examples of times when God's people had joyful expectation. The birth of a promised child, a bride waiting for her bridegroom, the coming Messiah, the gift of the Holy Spirit. Joyful expectation lifts our eyes away from the mess we're in, to the horizon. It sees a light dawning, despite how dark the night has been.
Philippians 4:4-7
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation,
by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
If I will embrace this joyful expectation, this rejoicing in the midst of trial, I will experience peace that surpasses understanding. Now, that's something worth waiting for.
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