EXPECTATIONS

I once read a quote which said: "There is one illusion that has much to do with most of our
happiness, and still more with most of our unhappiness." That said, there is nevertheless some truth in the above quote; and yet the better observation, I think, is made by asking in what or in whom are we placing our expectations? In the above scripture, Paul the apostle is concerned that carnal and downright wicked practices have permeated the Corinthian church; they are increasingly thinking and therefore behaving just like the surrounding secular culture. By his serious admonishments, he expected them to repent. Even this greatly used apostle had to adjust his people-expectations.

While hoping for the best outcomes where people are concerned, we must remember that on any of our best days, we are JUST people, with plenty of room and opportunities to disappoint and be disappointed! When it comes to events or circumstances, life teaches us sooner or later that our expectations are SORELY misplaced when lodged in anything or anyone that is flawed—which includes ALL of us--temporal and/or changeable. Check out 2 Corinthians 4: 18. Instead, we do wisely to embrace the words of the psalmist in Psalm 62, which declare “…my expectation is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation. He is my defense; I shall not be moved.” Affirm these scriptural principles daily, Christ followers. Yes, ANCHOR your trust in Him who sticks closer than a brother! He’s the One you must know and acknowledge in ALL your ways, for He will never leave nor abandon you. Like the psalmist let us daily affirm, “When I awake, I am still with You [Psalm 139:18b].”

PRAYER: Father God, help us, Your kingdom people, to commit our way to You, to trust also in You, [to place all of our earnest expectations in You], for You have promised that if we do this, You shall bring to fruition what we’ve entrusted to You—[paraphrased Ps. 37:5] Thank You, in Christ’s blessed name; amen.
By Sis. Denise Diggs