Expectancy Celebrates Without Guarantees
Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about what it means to have an expectant heart. We talk about being expectant during the Advent season and we reflect on our dreams for the future as we look to the New Year.
I’ve often gathered in circles with others in prayer where phrases like “Lord, we are expectant” are spoken to God. I have friends who share about a new project or season by saying they feel expectant about what is to come. I’m not sure I’d ever used this word in a sentence until recently. Being expectant sounds like a terrifying experience. It feels scary because it is always accompanied by the possibility of disappointment.
Pessimism is easier. Cynicism is safer. When we’ve experienced pain, it can be difficult to trust the promise.
I love the invitation extended to us in Luke 1, where we read about Zechariah and Elizabeth. Scripture says that both Elizabeth and her husband Zechariah, walked faithfully with God, even as they carried shame and grief in being unable to conceive a child.
When the angel Gabriel visiting Zechariah, he was unable to release his doubt and embrace the good news and as a result, was silenced for a period of time by God. Zechariah wanted proof before deciding that joy was a good idea.
In contrast, Elizabeth readily received God’s gift of grace in becoming pregnant with a son after years of pain. She was not entangled by doubt, nor did she allow the dread of what could happen to cause disbelief in God.
Honestly? I’m more like Zechariah. It’s really difficult for me to trust the promise without proof. But as I celebrate and savor the Christmas season and look to the year ahead, I want to have a heart like Elizabeth. I want to be someone who recognizes God in pain and joy and is, therefore, not afraid to celebrate knowing that God is present and engaged in both experiences. I would like to look into the unknown and choose to wonder about how God will move. I want to be someone who can appreciate beauty without dreading its dark side. I would like to say yes to a dream without weighing it down with ideas about everything that could go wrong. I want to build plans with possibilities instead of problems. I don’t want to feel afraid to laugh or cheer out loud in the face of good news.
We don’t hope because of what we receive. We hope because of Who we receive. Regardless of what outcomes that await us in the coming year, we can celebrate that God will be who He says He is. As we look to the season ahead, will we allow our awe of God to expand beyond the limits of our own imagination? Will we hold an expectant heart…one that celebrates without a guarantee?
It’s worth noting that Zechariah’s pessimism doesn’t keep him from the promise. God’s faithfulness does not depend on our measure of faith. But there is so much joy waiting for us when we trust His promises. This is my prayer for you…and for me.