Living in Anticipation

Anticipation can be almost as good as the actual event or item we wait for. That’s one reason why we love the Christmas season. The extended period of joyful expectation is half of the fun.

Strangely, even when anticipations are tempered by doubt or fear—or when prospects appear negative—we fare better than when we live with no expectations. The things we anticipate give shape and meaning to daily events. They provide direction and purpose.

The Israelites lived in anticipation—they waited centuries for their Messiah. And while they waited, God spoke to them through the prophets. The book of Isaiah tells us, He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arms, and carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those who are with young. (Is. 40:11 NKJV)

Perhaps the Israelites failed to see the promises were with them all the time. When they walked in doubt or fear, God gave them hope. When they sinned and faced judgment, He directed their vision beyond their circumstances to the joy of receiving forgiveness. Walking in God’s promises requires trust. The Israelites needed to believe that He loved them and to anticipate that He would move in their lives.

Originally published December 11, 1992

Beauty for Ashes

The Christmas spirit is an elusive dream for many people. Perhaps they feel isolated from family and friends—or insecure because they do not know how to select presents. Perhaps they lack funds to pay for presents—or are overwhelmed by fatigue and bills. Whatever the cause, failure to experience the dream causes anxiety and stress.

Jesus didn’t come so we could strive after elusive dreams. He came to invade hearts—to penetrate our depths—to offer a revelation or vision of Him. And He brings peace and joy.

The prophet Isaiah had much to say about the Christ-child named Jesus who grew up to bring salvation to all people. According to Isaiah, He brings, beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they [we] may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified. (Is. 61:3 NKJV)

Receiving the promises recorded by Isaiah might require rethinking our Christmas plans. If we belong to Jesus, we can stop striving after the elusive dream—and let a true vision from the Spirit of Jesus touch our spirits—because the Spirit of Jesus is the true spirit of Christmas.

Of course, major changes require adjustments, but that would be a small price to pay if it means exchanging beauty for ashes!

Originally published December 12, 1986.
Picture: Commercial display, West Fargo, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

God Is Looking at Us?

The Bible tells us the Lord, looks on all the inhabitants of the earth. (Ps. 33:14b NKJV)

Are we happy that God is looking at us? Are we so sure of His love—and so sure of His ability to help us—that we rejoice in His care? Or do we resent His attention? Do we try to suppress the true motives of our heart? Do we think of Him as a taskmaster who robs us of fun?

These are important questions. When we try to hide motives, even from ourselves, we do not fool God. He understands us better than we understand ourselves. He knows all about anything and everything we might try to hide.

But He does not look at us because He is a taskmaster who insists we meet certain obligations. He does it as the one who offers forgiveness and salvation. He does it because He is our source of joy. The psalmist explains, Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in Him, because we have trusted in His holy name. (v. 20,21)

Originally published March 27, 1992.

Moments of Love?

Do we experience the love of Jesus? Even more significantly, do we experience loving Him in return? Does the thought of Jesus bring joy?

Peter said, Though you have not seen him, you love him . . . and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy. . . . (I Pet. 1:8 NIV)

Of course, there will be times when we don’t feel love. There are times when love will be a choice—even if we feel more-or-less dead inside. But a close walk with God—just like a close walk with any other person—should include moments of tangible love and moments of joy.

These moments may come when we set time aside to be with Him—to pray, to ask questions, or to enjoy His Presence. They may come when we struggle with a specific task He sets before us. They may even come when we aren’t consciously thinking of Him at all.

Those special moments are like visitations. Whatever the circumstance, treasure His tangible expressions of love. We are precious in His sight, and He wants to be precious in our sight. He desires a love relationship with His children.

Originally published February 17, 1989.
Picture: Como Park, St. Paul, MN 2009. Photo by Solveig.

He Sets Men Free

The concept of Christian freedom is difficult. But people in bondage to slavery or individuals serving time in prison have claimed that Jesus sets them free. One youth said, I am free to love instead of hate.

Jesus teaches inner freedom as something separate from and different than outward conditions. He said, If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free. (Jn. 8:31,32 RSV)

This type of freedom occurs in the inner man, in the private life where we experience personal joy. It is freedom from the inclination to sin, and we need it at every stage of life regardless of our circumstances.

Our great joy is knowing Jesus as truth and allowing His truth to work in us. Jesus promises freedom.

Originally published January 8, 1982.

Picture: Karen's garden, Winona, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

Rejoicing in Jail

Paul was writing from prison when he said, Now I want you to know, brothers, that what happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. (Phil. 1:12 NIV) He explained that because of his imprisonment the palace guard and others realized he was there only because he was a Christian. They respected Paul. And because of the jail sentence, the Word of God was brought to people who would normally have been outside his sphere of influence.

Furthermore, Because of my chains most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God. . . . (v. 14a) Those dependent upon Paul for spiritual leadership were forced to step out on their own.

So although prison continued as an uncomfortable reality, Paul could write to the Philipians, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. (v. 18b)

Imagine. He rejoiced. He knew God could take aspects of life which are difficult—perhaps even devastating—and use them for good.

Originally published October 7, 1983.
Picture: Pansies, West Fargo, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

Rivers Clapping

Psalm 98 pictures all creation taking part in vibrant praise and exaltation. In fact, God is so great that the psalmist orders people to offer jubilant praises using their voices, their harps, their trumpets, and their ram's horns. Everything is to respond to God’s love for His people.

The psalmist begins with Sing to the Lord a new song . . . (v. 1a NIV) He recounts God’s salvation and faithfulness for His people. Then the psalmist expands the scenario to include all of creation: Let the sea resound, and everything in it . . . Let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains sing together for joy. . . . (v. 7a,8 NIV)

Why the animation? To personify joy—to provide a vivid image of an unguarded response to an awesome God.

Earthly Lords and Kings are objects of praise. When they appear before their subjects, waves of adulation rise to meet them. And when the heavenly King makes His presence known, all creation responds.

[S]hout for joy before the LORD, the King. (v. 6b)

Originally published August 6, 1982.

Picture: Flower with butterfly, Arizona, 2008. Photo by Patty.

Joyful Obedience

The rewards of obedience can be exciting, and they’re worthy of consideration, especially at a time of the year when many re-evaluate their lives and make resolutions.

But human nature resents restraints. After all, who gets excited about obedience if it means doing something we would rather not do—or not doing something we would like to do?

Nevertheless, listen to this picture of obedience and see if it isn’t exciting. Jesus said, "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you . . . If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love. . . . "(Jn. 15:67,10a NKJV)

Obedience to God is exciting because it’s part of our relationship with Almighty God. If we disobey Him, our love for Him and our relationship with Him wanes. But if we love God our relationship leads us into a life of joyful obedience

Originally published December 30, 1988.

New Beginnings

When life becomes difficult—and life can become difficult or even devastating—we actually need the concept of new beginnings. Perhaps that’s why for many people, a new year is a time of hope and anticipation. It symbolizes new beginnings.

We just want a fresh start.

Jesus came to offer a new beginning to the people of His time. They responded with joy and hope. Even when He withdrew from the crowds to be by Himself, a great multitude from Galilee followed Him . . . He healed many, so that as many as had afflictions pressed about Him to touch Him. (Mk. 3:7,10 NKJV)

Whatever our circumstances, our problems, or our fears, Jesus offers a new beginning to us as well. We simply have to reach out to Him—invite His presence into our lives. Then we can accept the fresh start He offers. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right be become children of God, even to those who believe in His name. . . . (Jn. 1:12)

Originally published December 31, 1987