Hopeful anticipation

We are filled with hope, as we wait for the glorious return of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. – Titus 2:13

One of the biggest joys of travel has always been anticipation for the trip to begin. Over the years anticipation has created excitement and joy and encouraged many travelers during the weeks and months of waiting. During the last two years anticipation has been replaced with worry and stress over the pandemic and new requirements to travel. Many travelers cancel because anxiety has stolen their joy and excitement.

But in the last few months I’ve noticed that hopeful anticipation is returning. Even in my own travels I find myself day dreaming of what lies ahead and eagerly planning activities and longing for time in the sun.

As I was thinking about devotional time on the beach for my upcoming trip, I was challenged by the Holy Spirit who asked me if I was just as eager in my anticipation of Jesus’ return. Do I imagine what it will be like to see Him coming in the clouds? Does my heartbeat race when I think of seeing Him face to face? Do I long for Him, watching and waiting for His return? Or have I lost that joy and excitement of when I first believed?

I remember when Brock went to be with the Lord. Oh how I wanted to Lord to return soon. I knew that His return meant that I would see Brock again. But in the years of waiting the Lord has been so gracious in creating a personal relationship with me that my desire is to see Him first. In the waiting He has given me much to do that only adds to the hopeful anticipation of His return.

In the waiting we get the privilege of sharing our joyful anticipation with others and pray that they will join with us in knowing Jesus as the Lord and Savior of our lives as we wait with hopeful anticipation of His glorious and triumphal return.

Father, thank you for joy and anticipation. They are such unique and exciting gifts that I pray we will never lose as we wait for Your glorious return. In Jesus’ name, amen.