What Are You Waiting For? That’s why I don’t think there’s any comparison between the present hard times and the coming good times. The created world itself can hardly wait for what’s coming next. Everything in creation is being more or less held back. God reins it in until both creation and all the creatures are ready and can be released at the same moment into the glorious times ahead. Meanwhile, the joyful anticipation deepens. Romans 8:18-21 (The Message) “I just can’t wait…until Christmas!” “I just can’t wait…until I get married!” “I just can’t wait…until Jesus comes again!” It seems like our culture is constantly looking ahead to something! And for Christians, we have a LOT to look forward to seeing and doing, even if we are going through “present hard times.” Is life hard for you, right now? Is that perhaps why you are looking forward to the future, when life might be easier or more fun? I know that sometimes I dread something in my schedule, like going to the dentist, and if I can just get through that ordeal, I will be happy again! There is this “trying to get through each day, one day at a time” that is a reality for many of us who are struggling with getting older, taking care of aged loved ones and dealing with increasing health problems, just to name a few challenges. Can you imagine all of the created world saying, “I can hardly wait for what’s coming next?!” There is this “joyful anticipation” that is deepening as we wait for the “glorious times ahead!” Can you feel it? Sometimes it is easier to get discouraged or depressed rather than to resolutely choose to have hope for the future, but faith is believing that the best is yet to come! I have to admit that reading this passage in The Message has given me a new perspective! It can feel like I am just holding my breath, waiting for God to unleash all of his power, but in the meantime, I want to open myself up to joyful anticipation, not just in waiting for Christmas, but for all of creation to be set free! Father God, I confess that my heart has not been full of faith and joyful anticipation. Please set me free from all that weighs me down today, as I give it to you. Amen. Throughout this day: What is holding you back from experiencing joyful anticipation? Ask God to show you where you have stopped believing in the glorious future he has for you ​#BibleStudy #VerseByVerse #Gospel #JesusCentered #GodFirst #WordOfGod #PreachTheWord #ChristianLiving #Scripture #Faith #JesusIsLord #DaGoodNews #YouTube #Grow #LordsBook #ChristianLordsbook #ChristianFacebook #DailyDevotional #Jesus #God