Waiting and Anticipation, Part II

For most of my life I viewed waiting as a bad thing.  I had the perspective of waiting or anticipation as a negative time when nothing was happening.  In studying God’s word though, I’m beginning to realize that waiting can be an active and joyful time.  In the time of waiting God is usually very busy.  Rarely do our lives happen in isolation but rather when we pass through life we often intersect the lives of others.  Our smile could mean the difference in a person’s perception of a good day.  Our speaking the truth in love might be the difference in a substantial decision for someone. And our plans are often fulfilled through others.  So the Lord is often involved in fulfilling the plan for our lives even when we think nothing is going on.  It might be, like the birth of the Messiah, that a child is being born and growing in order to fulfill a mission that impacts our lives.

 

I also used to believe that a time of waiting had to be filled with worry.  Now I’m learning what a waste of energy worry is.  Philippians 4:19 (The Message) says: 

 

And now I have it all—and keep getting more! The gifts you sent with Epaphroditus were more than enough, like a sweet-smelling sacrifice roasting on the altar, filling the air with fragrance, pleasing God no end. You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, his generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus. Our God and Father abounds in glory that just pours out into eternity. Yes.

 

Or the NRSV version:

And my God will fully satisfy every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

 

Now, Jesus is a rich, rich person.  Jesus will fulfill my needs based on those riches.  Why worry then?  The outcome is already prescribed-I don’t need to be consumed with worry and negativity.  My only job is to love the Lord and love my fellow beings, the Lord will take care of the rest.  No need to use the giftedness that God has given me in negative or wasteful ways.  Rather be active in praising and pleasing the Lord.  Don’t let the time of waiting be a time of waste.  Be involved, be thankful, full of gratitude because the Lord is active and so pleased you are his creation. He loves me and he loves you so get involved in what He is doing and be ready for your blessing!