Expectancy in the New Year

February cannot get here fast enough. That is when I am supposed to meet my granddaughter for the first time. Whether it is a trip, meeting someone or an upcoming event, we all have things we look forward to experiencing.

Often the anticipation of the upcoming event builds the excitement.

As I reflect on my word for 2021, I’ve made a list of words and narrowed them down to this: expectancy. Perhaps part of the reason for choosing this word is the upcoming arrival of my granddaughter. But as I prayed over my word of focus for the coming year, I felt like there is more to anticipate. In fact, I have several areas that need heightened expectancy in the days ahead. First and foremost is my relationship with God. Second is my relationship with others. Additionally, there is expectancy in what God will do in my career, ministry, health, and finances. While these areas are not currently struggling, there is always room for improvement.

While I start each day in God’s Word, I don’t always approach my time with anticipation. Some days I read the Bible out of habit. However, I should approach each time alone with my Heavenly Father with a sense of delight, knowing that the Creator of the universe longs to spend time with me. He desires to show me things about Himself and what plans He has for me.

Psalm 37:23 promises firmly established steps when we delight in the Lord. “The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way.” We should delight being in the Lord’s presence and expectantly start our time each day knowing He wants to show us ways we can grow.

Several years ago, I read an article challenging the readers with this question, “Do you prepare for church each week with the anticipation that you are going to meet Jesus?” If we were to see Jesus in the flesh, I know many would be in their best clothes, early and anxiously awaiting His arrival. Yet, He is there every week, even if we can’t physically see Him. Do we arrive with that same anticipation?

Just as that article challenged me in my preparation for Sunday services, it also carried over to my daily quiet time with God. God is always there, longing to fellowship with me. I should approach my time with Him with expectancy, knowing He has something to communicate that will help me, encourage me, or correct me. From that time with my Savior, I can handle what comes my way each day in His strength and not my own.

Expectancy also improves my prayer life. Instead of praying for something and hoping God comes through, I can hold fast to the promises by faith and expectantly await God’s timing for the answer. The anticipation of His answer propels me to steadfastly continue in prayer, despite what my natural eyes may or may not see.

I’m expecting 2021 to yield a deeper walk with Jesus as I look forward to spending time with Him daily through the reading of His Word and focused times of prayer. What are you expecting God to do through you in 2021?