Anticipation

The phone call brought amazing, unexpected peace and joy. Who would have anticipated such grand transformations for the two of us, since the call contained some unhappy situations. There are lots of reasons which cause us to anticipate either good or bad results from different activities depending on the circumstances. Happy expectations bring us pleasure, but our anticipation can be filled with dread if we are expecting the possibility of bad news. Anticipating a party can give a person a lot of happiness before the party ever takes place, while a surprise party brings an amazing jolt of unexpected pleasure when people yell surprise.  Both have their place and bring a lot of delight. I, for one, think the anticipation of certain activities like seeing certain people or places can provide pleasure repeatedly before the actual event ever takes place. The element of surprise also provides its own delight but precludes the opportunity of looking forward to whatever the surprise contains. God is the master of providing delight. He’ll direct us to the best plan for each event as we seek to bring delight to those we love and wish to please.

Then there is the anticipation in other situations where we know the results might bring bad news, or unhappy relationships. Our best choice is to trust God and anticipate that the grace and love of God will reign over our hearts and help us either way. Easy to say, not so easy to do. As with every situation in our lives, happy ones or difficult ones, God knows our hearts. All our lives, we practice and practice trusting our most wonderful God.  All our lives we encounter situations where we are best advised to throw ourselves upon the mercies of God not only for ourselves but for our family and friends in their difficult times. We can ask Him to use us to provide as many optimistic and encouraging responses to situations as possible.  When we or others are in periods of anticipating disappointment, grief or fear, the answer lies in trusting God. He is our source of peace. Ask Him to increase our trust in His Love.