Expectation or anticipation—what’s the difference? We often use the words interchangeably, and sometimes either is appropriate. For example, we sing, “Come, Thou long-expected Jesus.” The word could just as easily be “long-anticipated,” although that wouldn’t scan. We both expect and anticipate His coming and celebrate this during Advent.
However, the words aren’t always interchangeable. We anticipate seeing or hearing from loved ones. But we may expect Aunt Mary to bring her delicious sweet potato casserole to Christmas dinner, or expect a fight to break out between the cousins (which certainly isn’t anticipation!)
In general, expectation focuses on something I fear or worry about, or something I hope and believe will happen: “I expect her to bring the casserole,” or “I expect them to behave badly.” But anticipation says, “Something good is going to happen.” Something good- not bad.
When it comes to our relationship with God and our prayers, can both be appropriate? Probably so. I expect God to keep His promises, but if I expect Him to answer as I think best, or as I’ve specifically requested, I may be disappointed. His ways are not our ways, and His answers are often quite unexpected. However, I can anticipate good from God always, no matter what form it takes or how long it takes. After all, “God may be slow, but He’s never late.”
This Advent and Christmas—and always—I want to focus on anticipation. May I, and may we all, trust the Source of all good. What we expect may not happen, or may disappoint, but if we anticipate that God will bring good out of all things, and really trust Him to do it, we will be more than satisfied.
