Life here on earth is like that. If we properly manage our expectations, most of the time we'll be okay. For example, if you expect that your husband will always be like a knight in shining armor, you'll be disappointed. But if you expect that marriage will have plenty of ups and downs, you won't be disappointed. If you expect to instantly bond with your newborn, you might be disappointed - I was. But if you expect that it might take some time, you'll be pleasantly surprised if that bonding happens immediately. Let's face it, we live in a fallen world, in the midst of sinful people - including ourselves. If we are placing our expectations in people or situations, that is a breeding ground for hurt and disappointment!
Expectancy and hope go hand-in-hand. Webster's Dictionary defines hope as desire accompanied by expectation. Another definition for hope is a confident expectation of good. As stated earlier, when we place our hope in people or circumstances, we're bound to be disappointed. But there is someone we can hope in, and we'll not be disappointed! God, of course. If you've attended church for any length of time, you might be rolling your eyes right now, thinking, "I know this. This is old news." But I want you to pause and reflect on your relationships for a few minutes. In my experience, it is quite easy to shift our hope to a person or situation, rather than keeping it in Christ alone.
I have found that when I place undue hope in my husband, I am disappointed. This paves the way for me to be hurt and dissatisfied with our relationship. The same holds true with my children. If my hope is in them and their behavior, I KNOW I'll be disappointed and possibly angry. Maybe you are placing your hope in a person also or a circumstance, such as "when this house sells, everything will be okay" or "when I get that promotion, then..." or "when this big project is finally complete, then... ” You get the picture.
However, if I consistently place my expectation in the Lord, I will be satisfied. The bible is full of verses that speak about this. Here is a small sampling:
Psalm 38:15 For in you, O Lord, I hope; You will hear, O Lord my God.
Psalm 39:7 And now, Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in You.
Psalm 42:5 Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance.
Proverbs 10:28 The hope of the righteous will be gladness, but the expectation of the wicked will perish.
Lamentations 3:24 The Lord is my portion, says my soul, therefore I hope in Him.
Romans 5:5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
1 Peter 1:21 [Christ was manifest for you] who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.
Placing our hope is God is on going. You can place it there, and then shift it away from Him again. I find that asking God to show me when I've shifted my hope from Him is very helpful. He's been faithful to answer that prayer. I then choose to put my hope back in Him. This has made my relationship with my husband and children much better! So, where have you placed your hope?
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