Finding Hope: Anticipation #RTTBROS #Nightlight

RTTBROS

Finding Hope: Anticipation #RTTBROS #Nightlight The Joy of Holy Anticipation "But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it." - Romans 8:25 (KJV) In the Christian walk, we often emphasize contentment, and rightly so. Yet, there's another powerful force that can fuel our joy and spiritual growth: holy anticipation. Far from contradicting contentment, godly anticipation can actually enhance our appreciation for God's goodness in both the present and the future. Reflection Anticipation is a God-given gift that allows us to experience joy not just in the moment, but before and after as well. It's a spiritual practice that echoes the biblical concept of hope - not a vague wish, but a confident expectation of good things to come. In Jeremiah 29:11 (KJV), God declares, "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." Our Father invites us to look forward with excitement to the plans He has for us, both in this life and in eternity. This anticipation operates on two levels: 1. Micro Anticipation: These are the small, daily joys we can look forward to. Just as the Psalmist says, "This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalm 118:24, KJV), we can find delight in the simple pleasures God provides each day. 2. Macro Anticipation: These are the larger events or goals we anticipate over time. They reflect the "expected end" God promises, giving us a sense of purpose and direction in our journey. Importantly, each anticipated event offers three distinct opportunities for joy: 1. The excitement of planning and preparation 2. The joy of the experience itself 3. The lasting happiness of remembering and reflecting This three-fold joy mirrors our spiritual journey: we anticipate Christ's return, we experience joy in our daily walk with Him, and we remember with gratitude all He has done for us. Application 1. Identify Your Daily Joys: What simple pleasures has God placed in your life? Make a list of these "micro anticipations" and thank God for them each morning. 2. Plan Soul-Stirring Events: What larger experiences or goals energize your spirit? Prayerfully consider what these might be and start planning for them. 3. Practice Holy Imagination: Spend time imagining the good things God has in store for you, both in this life and in eternity. Let this fuel your hope and joy. 4. Create a Joy Journal: Record your anticipated events, your experiences of them, and your memories afterwards. Use this to cultivate gratitude and recognize God's faithfulness. 5. Share the Joy: Involve others in your anticipation. Share your excitement about upcoming events or daily pleasures, spreading the joy God has given you. Prayer Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of anticipation. Help us to recognize and appreciate the daily joys You've placed in our lives. Guide us as we plan and prepare for larger events that stir our souls. May our anticipation of these blessings remind us of the ultimate joy we have in looking forward to eternity with You. Let our lives be marked by both contentment in the present and holy excitement for the future. Help us to spread this joy to others, reflecting Your goodness in all we do. In Jesus' name, Amen. Dig Deeper 1. Read Hebrews 11:1. How does this definition of faith relate to the concept of godly anticipation? 2. Reflect on Philippians 3:13-14. How does Paul balance contentment with anticipation in his spiritual journey? 3. Consider the anticipation of Christ's birth in the Old Testament. How might this long period of waiting and expectation inform our own practice of anticipation? 4. What "micro anticipations" can you incorporate into your daily routine to increase your joy and gratitude? 5. Think about a "macro anticipation" in your life. How can you use the planning, experiencing, and remembering of this event to deepen your relationship with God?