Anticipation

The upcoming holiday season often includes a mixture of busyness and anticipation, doesn’t it? Sure, there may be lots of details to work out, and schedules to work around, but there are also many good times to be had. Soon, families will gather for a special Thanksgiving meal and possibly watch some football, wondering if the Lions might actually win their Thanksgiving Day game this year. Before long, Christmas decorations will adorn houses and lawns, and radio stations will start to play Christmas music. Many of us will prepare for winter here, while others look forward to their trip south. What are you looking forward to?

Now, I encourage you to take that sense of anticipation and listen to a few verses from Psalm 95:

1 Oh come, let us sing to the LORD; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! 2 Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!
6 Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker! 7 For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand.

How often do we express that kind of anticipation and excitement about gathering for a worship service? Can you imagine the difference it would make if we all entered the church doors with the same enthusiasm as the Psalmist? The Psalmist is clearly excited about the greatness of God and looks forward to a time of celebration, singing, and worship. I hope that you are looking forward to the same things. This morning, I encourage you to set aside the stresses and busyness of life, and remember how great God is and what a privilege it is to come and worship Him freely.

In His grip,
Pastor Decker