The Joy Of What Is Yet To Come

The most anticipated day of the year was just a short time ago; Christmas has been over for less than three weeks. We planned for it, decorated and eagerly awaited its arrival. The night before our kids were so excited most of them had a hard time falling asleep (full disclosure, so did I).

The New Year follows, full of the promise of a fresh start, clean pages in the calendar and hopes for things to be a little bit better. However, the experience of the recent past has muted that hope for many. If the last two years taught us anything, it is that things can always get worse.

Yet for those who call Jesus Lord, there is hope in what is yet to come. We can experience the exhilaration of anticipation, the joy and security found in the knowledge and promise of God and the place He has waiting for us in eternity and His promise to remain with us and uphold us through everything between that time and us.

The Bible is full of promises of what is yet to come. Jesus Himself, shortly before His arrest, trial, crucifixion, burial and resurrection made just such a promise to the disciples and us. “Do not let your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.”

We know what is to come, ultimately, that where Jesus is we will be also. And the anticipation of that promise is surely reason for joy.

Jerry Williams