Gleeful Anticipation: A Life of Joyful Expectation
This week’s Pastor’s Ponderings reminds us of a powerful truth: God calls us to live with a gleeful anticipation of life in His presence. His strength enables us to choose happiness over worry and to embrace the joy He provides.
Let’s decide to walk in joy and gleefully anticipate the blessings God has prepared for us.
Gleeful Anticipation: A Life of Joyful Expectation
"Happiness is a choice." This idea encourages us to consciously focus on the good in our lives while trusting God to handle the challenges. In Joshua 1:8, God tells us that meditating on His Word and following His guidance will lead to prosperity and success. Similarly, 3 John 2 reminds us of God’s desire for us to live abundantly and enjoy good health.
We’ve all had those moments where joy springs up unprompted—a smile brightens our face, and happiness fills our hearts, even without external causes. These moments reflect the inner peace and gladness that come from trusting God. Interestingly, scientists note it takes fewer muscles to smile than to frown. Why not make smiling—and choosing joy—a habit?
Reflecting on songs like “If You’re Happy and You Know It” reminds us how simple expressions of happiness can transform our mood. Similarly, Bobby McFerrin’s playful tune “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” offers a gentle nudge to release anxiety and embrace positivity. The lyrics remind us that worry not only affects us but can also impact those around us.
As believers, we can approach life with confidence, knowing that God delivers us from our troubles (Psalm 34:19). Even when life feels overwhelming, we are reminded that we are made righteous through Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21). This assurance frees us to radiate joy and share hope with others.
Take a moment today to think about the goodness of God—what He has done, what He is doing, and what He promises to do in your life. His love for us is so immense that He gave His only Son, Jesus, to secure our salvation. As Romans 8:32 assures us, if God gave us His Son, will He not also graciously give us all things?
Let’s decide to walk in joy and gleefully anticipate the blessings God has prepared for us. When we choose happiness rooted in His promises, our lives become a testimony to His love and faithfulness.
Joshua 1:8
New International Version
8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you
will be prosperous and successful.
3 John 2
New International Version
2 Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.
Psalm 34:19
New International Version
19 The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all;
2 Corinthians 5:21
New International Version
21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Romans 8:32
New International Version
32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?