40 Days of Believing God – Day 12

Those of you who know me know my favorite day of the year is December 23rd. Two days before Christmas. One day before Christmas Eve.

I love the anticipation of those two days. In fact, I love the anticipation so much that my favorite day may now be earlier in the month. Mabye my new favorite Day is December 9th. That gives me two additional weeks to anticipate Christmas.

When I was a kid, the Christmas season was always a wonderful, magical time of year. I loved having the Christmas tree up and the lights on the house. I loved sampling different treats and desserts. I loved being out of school. Best of all though, were the gifts. My parents were always very generous at Christmas, so there was always much to look forward to.

(By the way, there’s a reason I’m talking about Christmas in August. I’m about to get to it.)

I probably would not have loved all the things leading up to Christmas as much if Christmas morning wasn’t so special. But I knew Christmas morning would be wonderful, because I knew my mom and dad would make it that way.

Okay, I’m not suggesting that Christmas is all about the presents. What I’m saying is this–I looked forward to Christmas with great anticipation and excitement, because I was looking forward to something I knew would be good.

So when it comes to my Father in heaven, why do I tend to anticipate the worst, not the best? Aren’t fear, worry and anxiety the result of anticipating the worst?

I wonder how my mom and dad would have felt if in the weeks leading up to Christmas I was full of worry because I didn’t think I was going to receive any gifts?

I know how I’d feel if my kids felt that way. I’d be hurt. I would wonder why they were doubting my goodness and generosity, especially since every previous Christmas has been so special.

We can anticipate the best or we can anticipate the worst. Which way are you leaning?

“If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!”  (Matthew 7:11)