The Joy Of Anticipation

A significant part of our lives centers around anticipation. How much joy would there be if there were no event to anticipate, such as a wedding, the birth of a baby, a vacation, or visiting a favorite eating place?

All of the above anticipated events grow in value because of the hours we spend looking forward to them — our minds eagerly anticipating the fun, challenges, and excitement these events will bring.

For a moment, let’s think about the value of anticipation and the thrill it can bring to our heart when we read Psalm 30:5:

“Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.”

Here, the Psalmist is declaring the comforting idea that our earthly sorrow lasts but a short time in comparison to the anticipated joy that will last for eternity in heaven.

Paul pens a similar idea in 2 Corinthians 4:17, where we discover that our “light affliction” we experience here on earth leads to our anticipation of a glory of eternal value.

Those of us who weep can dwell on hope instead of hopelessness, and anticipation instead of sorrow. There may be a period of night in our hearts, but just ahead lies the dawn of eternity. And with it, God promises the endless joy of a heavenly morning.

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets