Posted by The last several weeks has been one in which writer’s block was more prevalent than usual. So, I referenced a daily devotional that I have that was prepared by David Jeremiah, a renowned Pastor and writer that I enjoy listening to through his podcast. A topic that stood out to me a few days ago was about the importance of anticipation.
It has been several years since I have been on a “vacation”. The kind in which you plan for either by way of a long road trip or by plane. It is believed by psychologists that mere planning a vacation can boost a sense of joy for those who take the time to plan for the exciting event. So even just imagining yourself taking a vacation to a place of preference can significantly change the mood to one of joy and excitement.
However, for those of us who are realists, imagining a vacation may not be a productive use of time, but anticipating a good experience that is destined to happen can increase joy and reduce the stress and cares of our current life. To some degree, we all experience disappointments, stress, even tragedies. It is a part of the life we live in. We live in a fallen world which is a result of the fall of Adam and Eve. Since that time, there has been all kinds of stressors in this life that we must learn to endure. Many of us use various activities such as sports, movies, exciting gatherings, and other temporary fulfilling events with an anticipation of getting away from that which hinders our joy. We can anticipate getting a raise, buying a house or new car. These are all good and acceptable things and events to anticipate which can be helpful in reducing stress. Unfortunately, even these events and experiences can be lacking because sometimes “life” still happens.
For those who have accepted Jesus into their hearts as Lord and Savior, there is a future of joy and pleasure that is to be anticipated. There is the anticipation of a great future that God is preparing for those who belong to Him. The book of Revelation describes a life in which there will be a “new heaven and a new earth” (Rev. 21:1). Also, “There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Rev. 21:4).
Anticipating Christ’s return to set up His new kingdom is certainly something to be excited about. In this event, there will be no interruption of joy that is sometimes experienced even on the nicest of vacations. I consider this to be the ultimate anticipation that is available for all who have placed their hope in Christ. As stated earlier, it is good to anticipate a vacation, even an imagined one for some of us, but God’s plan of a life to come is something to anticipate with expectation no matter what is experienced, or not experienced in this life. Amen.
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