Be Still: 30 Devotions for the Hopeful HeartExemplo

Anticipation Versus Anxiety

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. PHILIPPIANS 4:6–7 NIV

For some, it is pursuing a dream that has been brewing. For others, it is a move to a new city or church. And for some, 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 brain begins to imagine what could be there, and our thoughts get the best of us. But in every moment that we experience anxiety, there is also another path we can let our mind travel down instead: the pathway of anticipation. When we feel out of control and 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 around the bend lies hardship, 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 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 provides an opportunity to trust God and believe He is who He says He is. Let this be a catalyst for 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’s name, amen.