Anticipation Versus Anxiety

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7) 

For some, it is pursuing a dream that has been brewing. For others, it is a move to a new city or church. For still others, it is simply the uncertainty of the future. All these moments present a crossroads where both uncertainty and promise coexist. In each of these moments, we can either become anxious or excitedly anticipate what is next. 

We have grown accustomed to treating uncertainty as though it requires anxiety. Because the lights are off, our brains begin to imagine what could be there, and our thoughts get the best of us. But in every moment that we experience anxiety, there is another path we can let our minds travel down instead: the pathway of anticipation. When we feel out of control and are unsure of what is next, we can take great comfort in the fact that our God is always fighting for our best and preparing the way to get there. 

If hardship lies around the bend, it is because preparation is required for the journey ahead. Let’s harness our minds and arrest our anxious thoughts. They hold great power in determining how strongly we plant our feet into the next moment. Let us imagine the ways God is moving on our behalf. Let us dream about the ways we want to serve and grow and speak those ways into the world. Let us talk with others in a confident manner so that our hope is never in question despite the uncertainty that is up ahead. 

Our God is going to show up. That is assured. The rest of the details? They really are somewhat irrelevant. The exact position our feet are in now provide an opportunity to trust God and believe he is who he says he is. Let this be a catalyst to our faith as we get excited about the future! Whatever comes from his hand? It will be good. Anticipate! 

Dear Lord, thank you for being a God of provision and for always giving us your best. We do not fear what is ahead because we know who is in control. Help us choose thoughts that anticipate your goodness instead of anxious thoughts that doubt it. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

Cleere Cherry 
Be Still & Know 

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