Great Expectations

 

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven- Day 7: Today, I am grateful for Great Expectations. 

The literary classic, "Great Expectations", is a Charles Dickens novel. It is a hard read, due to the language of the century and some of the phrases unique to the time and place. Still, it is a good story with many twists, turns and timeless lessons.

The protagonist, Pip, is an orphan who grows up over the course of the story. Dickens weaves a rich story. Pip has scary moments, heartbreaking moments, and hopeful moments that keep the reader engaged. 

Pip's great expectations change as he experiences life. His priorities and hopes change along the way. He has regrets and celebrations. Such is life, right? 

Ann Voskamp provides some free downloads. This image is one of them. It reminded me why  I keep "The Message" in my reading resources. There are times when today's language helps unfold a deeper meaning that is easy to overlook. 

Let's look at Psalm 31:24 in the English Standard Version (ESV):

Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord! -Psalm 31:24 ESV 

It is a great verse and familiar to many. Here are all of the Psalm 31:24 English translations in one place. They are all encouraging and hopeful. "The Message" defines "waiting" as "expecting".  Somehow, that resonates deeply with my soul. 

When I say I am "waiting" on God, do I really anticipate he will show up? Trust me, I have learned that he does... every single time. Still, I have to wait. 

Do I wait intentionally or do I doze off? 

Sometimes the waiting place is for my heart to learn trust and to grow. There are times I am sure he is moving other pieces of the puzzles in other believers' lives. None of us are "only children." Like us, He loves all of his children equally, but differently. Sometimes, one child has to wait because another has a need that is a priority. 

Be brave. Be strong. Don’t give up. Expect God to get here soon. Psalm 31:24 (MSG)   (H3176 - the Hebrew Word provides a deeper look.  https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h3176/esv/wlc/0-1/ The Message is accurate.)

Do I pout in the waiting places, or do I look harder for His face as I grow "Great Expectations?" 

Patience is not my greatest virtue, so He continues to give me the patience test. I've known this about myself since childhood. You would think I would have it mastered by now. His grace and love continue to be extended while I learn to wait. 

Perhaps that patience test wasn't about waiting at all. Perhaps, it is about learning to "expect God to get here soon." 

In our waiting spaces, as He moves in other places, our God is faithful and good... and He is coming! It might be sooner than  you think. 

Today, I am grateful for Great Expectations.