Expecting Joy

“At that very moment, she came up and began to thank God and to speak about Him to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.”Luke 2:38

What are you looking forward to right now?  Depending on your personality and the length of your to-do list, it could be anything from opening presents Christmas morning to spending time with loved ones to having the whole material mess behind you.  I can relate to each of these thoughts.  But, the season aside—what are you really waiting for? 

Anna had been a widow for 84 years.  Eighty four years.  Such a long, long time.  I imagine that she might have felt lonely and sad as the years passed by and her life was unchanged.  But every day and every night of each of those long years, she served her God with her prayers and times of fasting. It is astounding to me.  And while I can’t know her heart, her actions cause me to believe that she was an expectant person.  Wonder what Anna was looking forward to every day for 84 years?  Did she know the Messiah would one day be there?  Had Simeon told her about God’s promise to him?  Did she hang around him waiting to see if this would be the day?  Despite her condition, was she looking forward to joy?  I think so.  She may not have known exactly where or when, but she was expecting big things from the God she served.  And her hope was not in vain.

Can you picture it?  Anna going about her daily routine, but keeping her eyes peeled.  And suddenly, finally, there it was!  Or more appropriately, there He was.  Joy wrapped in flesh.  God’s salvation.  A light for revelation to the Gentiles and glory to Israel.  The redemption of Jerusalem and the world.  “At that very moment, she came up and began to thank God.”  Her hope was satisfied beyond her expectations, and she did not have to wait another minute to speak about Him to all who were looking forward to their own redemption.  Joy had come and her longing was fulfilled.  Her heart probably overflowed with a joy that she couldn’t keep to herself.  Hallelujah!  He has come!

What are you looking forward to?  Do you have an expectant heart?  A longing for more that you know will someday be fulfilled?  Thank God for it and keep your eyes peeled.  Keep serving Him and don’t give up.  This may be the day.  This may be the very moment of His coming.  “Wait expectantly for Him” (Psalm 37:7).  “You love Him, though you have not seen Him.  And though not seeing Him now, you believe in Him and rejoice with inexpressible and glorious joy” (1 Peter1:8).  At that moment, in that day, you will see Him “face to face” (1 Cor. 13:12).  Expect Him.  He is coming again.  Glory to God in the highest!

“Amen!  Come, Lord Jesus!”Rev. 22:20

 

[By Lisa Huddleston]

 

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