Anticipation

Posted byDeanna HarderPosted inAnticipation, Christian Viewpoint, Heaven

For those of us who remember when ketchup came in glass bottles, just hearing the first few notes of Carly Simon’s hit song, Anticipation, conjures up the image of ketchup s-l-o-w-l-y making its way out of a tilted bottle. We had done all we could do and now we had to wait … and wait … and wait for the rich and tangy tomato sauce to drip onto our burgers and fries. It took forever but it was worth the wait.

Waiting sounds a lot like patience … not my favorite word or practice! The dictionary defines patience as an ability or willingness to suppress restlessness or annoyance when confronted with delay. Anticipation, on the other hand, is defined as expectation or hope. I can easily become annoyed waiting for something, but hope and expectation cause me to experience joy at the coming of a good thing.

I am sitting here pondering what my greatest hope might be. Is it fame? Too late. Is it riches? Not really. Is it love? Yes, but not what you’re thinking. My greatest hope is to live in heaven with Jesus who embodies the greatest love ever known. I look forward to that day with great anticipation. I expect my last breath on earth to be followed by my first breath in heaven. I anticipate a hug from Jesus welcoming me to eternity. It will have been worth the wait.

What is heaven like? Here are 7 facts found in the Bible about heaven. It is …

  • God’s dwelling place
    • The Lord looks down from heaven and sees the whole human race. – Psalm 33:13 (NLT)
  • Where Christ is today
    • “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!” – Acts 1:11 (NLT)
  • Where Christians go when they die
    • For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don’t know which is better. I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. – Philippians 1:21-23 (NLT)
  • The Father’s house
    • There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? – John 14:2 (NLT)
  • A city designed and built by God
    •  Abraham was confidently looking forward to a city with eternal foundations, a city designed and built by God. – Hebrews 11:10 (NLT)
  • A better place
    • But they were looking for a better place, a heavenly homeland. That is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. – Hebrews 11:16 (NLT)
  • Paradise
    • And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.” – Luke 23:43 (NLT)

Much like the slow arrival of ketchup from a Heinz bottle, sometimes the wait to see my heavenly home seems long; however, I have the hope and expectation of the joy of heaven. The trials and disappointments of earth are worth every moment in light of eternity with Jesus.

Published by Deanna Harder

Deanna is a singer, songwriter, musician, and speaker who loves Jesus and has a passion for worship. She has served as worship leader at many Christian women’s conferences and retreats in CA and around the western U.S.

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