SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                              1357         

“Anticipation”

I am the Lord your God, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt. Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it. – Psalm 81:10

The classic definition of ‘anticipation’ is that it is a feeling of excitement about something that is going to happen in the near future. Are we excited and joyful when we enter into worship? Do we anticipate His loving presence?

I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord!” – Psalm 122:1

Anticipation is different from Expectation – The best definition I found of the difference between the two words is: “Anticipation is looking forward with excitement to what is coming, resting in the assurance that it will be good regardless of what form it takes. Expectation is projecting an imagined reality onto the future.”

In our expectation, we prayerfully lay out the formula, when, and how we expect God to act. This is idolatry of self. It usurps the sovereign position of God and renders Him as a genie in a bottle destined to grant our wishes. Then, when our expectations are not realized, we become disillusioned, even angry, with God. Spurgeon called such prayers, ‘tight-laced’.

“We have half killed our prayers by tight-lacing them… Our cup is small, and we blame the fountain.”- Charles Spurgeon

Jesus set us an example when He prayed in the Garden before His crucifixion: He asked big. He asked in anticipation that God’s will: His perfect, loving will would be accomplished and He anticipated it with joy!

Saying, “Father if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” – Luke 22:42

Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. – Hebrews 12:2

Character of Anticipation – Is your Christian walk characterized by anticipation or expectation? Are your prayers anticipatory or dictatorial? A Christian character of anticipation prayer is joyful in the Lord in all circumstances. Anticipation trusts in the Lord, His love, and perfect will for you.

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. – Matthew 7:7

Expectation prayer on the other hand is dictatorial – it is asking wrongly.

You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. – James 4:3

Anticipation of His Provision – God is faithful to provide the needs of His children.

To you I lift up my eyes, O you who are enthroned in the heavens! Behold, as the eyes of servants     look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maidservant to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God, till he has mercy upon us. – Psalm 123:1-2

Anticipation of His Protection – God is faithful to protect us from the enemy of our souls.

But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. – Psalm 3:3

I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. – Psalm 121:1-2

Anticipation of His Saving Grace and Eager for His Return – The New Covenant of Grace through Jesus’ death and resurrection made the way for us to be saved and become children of God through faith in Christ. We eagerly anticipate His return.

But as for me, I will look to the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me. – Micah 7:7

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ – Titus 2:11-13

Anticipation is Readiness for His Return – Are you ready for His return? Do you eagerly, and joyfully anticipate His return?

Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near; Therefore, you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. – Luke 21:28; Matthew 24:44-46

May the Holy Spirit give you a heart of anticipation as you walk in relationship and fellowship with Jesus continually.

May your prayers be filled with joyful anticipation of the Father’s love and perfect will and plan for you.