Great Expectations

I'm not sure what I expected. My family and I were able to enjoy three different firework displays over Independence Day weekend. Two of the shows were truly spectacular. The third? Let's just leave it at 'disappointing.'

There was a large crowd, food, and entertainment galore. I guess that set the stage for us to believe that the accompanying fireworks would be amazing. As the time drew near for the display to begin, we hurriedly set up our chairs in a parking lot close to the fairground. People were everywhere.

As darkness settled over the city, the sky lit up with the explosion of the first firework. After ten minutes, the sky became dark once again. Only brief flashes of light were visible on the horizon. People began packing up chairs and walking to their cars. Surely it couldn't be over?! A few minutes later, the sky overhead lit up once again. A grand finale several minutes later indicated the end of this year's display. We began the long trek back to our car, folding chairs in tow. After all of the build-up and hoopla, we were disappointed.

Ever been there? An event or a relationship is totally different than what you expected? Fortunately, it's not always a negative thing, it can also be a positive thing. Maybe you're not anticipating much, and then the experience or relationship far surpasses your expectations. It's like that with God. As believers, whatever our finite minds think He is, He is so much more!

The entire Bible gives us an accurate picture of our Creator. He is holy. A righteous judge. A loving Heavenly Father. We get a glimpse of His holiness in the book of Psalms, "Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at his holy hill; for the Lord our God is holy" (Psalm 99:9; KJV). He challenges us, "But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy" (1 Peter 1:15-16).

His judgment is absolutely fair. "Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: for the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins. My defence is of God, which saveth the upright in heart. God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day"(Psalm 7:9-11). When we repent, He is quick to forgive, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).

The prophet Nehemiah shows us the love of our Savior, "...thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness..." (Nehemiah 9:17). David adds to the portrait, "For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations" (Psalm 100:5). "The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy" (Psalm 103:8).

Feeling disappointed today? Look into God's Word for an accurate picture of the One who loves you. He is so much more than we can imagine and He alone is "...able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think..." (Ephesians 3:20). Praise Him today, for He is worthy!