What to do With the Expectations

But what did you go out to see? Matthew 11:8 (New American Standard Bible)

Jesus asked this question of the people in regards to John the Baptist. In other words, He asked them what it was they were expecting. For He knew that expectations can lead to disappointment when there is no fulfillment of initial thoughts.

We live in a world where our expectations run high. We have certain expectations of people, of marriage, of jobs, of children, of churches, of ventures, of ourselves, of life in general, and of God. Webster’s defines expectation as a looking forward to; anticipation; a looking for as due, proper, or necessary; prospect of future success, prosperity, etc… When what we hoped for does not come about, discouragement can set in, as well as anger, frustration, and a loss of hope. If an individual has had too many disappointments in their life they learn to close themselves off in hopes of avoiding future disappointments.

But that is no way to live! David had it right when he learned to make God his expectation. His hope! He knew the frailty and limitations of people….himself included. He knew there was a danger in placing strong hope and expectation in events, circumstances, and relationships.

Many times I find my expectations are built on the desire to have needs met. I look to certain people to make me feel good, encourage me, validate me, and accept me. While they may or may not come through for me, God wants to be my primary Source for all of it. As I allow Him to meet my deepest needs, I can then invest myself in the lives of others. He refers to Himself as a fountain of living water to let me know He is a continual supply for me. The frequency with which I come to Him is up to me.

I was born with the need for security, love, fulfillment, and satisfaction. There is nothing wrong with needing those things. The problem is that too often I am turning to the wrong sources to get those needs met. Every one of them is found in Christ! He promises to come through for me if I but ask!

Father, depravation is not necessary in Your kingdom. The answer is not to squelch the needs I have but to learn to bring them to You. Teach me how to drink my fill of You in order to quench the thirst in me. Amen.

My Life Is In You, Lord
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0M0NALW7EM

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.