EXPECTATIONS PT 2

In Part One on expectations, we established that our expectations must originate from God. He must be both the source of our expectation and the One who brings it to fulfillment.

Today,let's look at this scripture,

for surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off — Proverbs 23:18

This wise saying gives us a beautiful assurance: our God given expectations will surely come to pass. Yet this promise is not isolated from its context because the preceding verse says;

let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the Lord all the day long - Prov 23:17

The fulfillment of our expectations is closely connected to the condition of our hearts. Solomon warns us not to allow envy to take root but instead to remain in the fear of the Lord continually.

Why? Because envy quietly corrupts the heart. It replaces joy with resentment and gratitude with comparison. Once envy is entertained, it is only a matter of time before it begins to shape our words, attitudes, and actions. Envy becomes the root from which bitterness grows, and bitterness is something Scripture commands us to put away (Eph 4:31).

Our expectations, therefore, must not be influenced by what we see others receiving . They must be shaped by the fear of God. As we keep our eyes fixed on Him not looking to the right or to the left we remain anchored in His will rather than being distracted by comparison.

Verse 19 of the same continues;

Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way Proverbs 23:19

The heart must be guided. Left to itself, it naturally drifts toward comparison, impatience, and discontent. But when guided in the way of the fear of the Lord, it remains steadfast, trusting, and with a living hope.

Holy fear continually directs the child of God to fix their gaze on Him alone. It teaches us that His timing is perfect, His promises are sure, and His plans for us are never delayed by the success of another.

When our hearts remain free from envy and firmly planted in the fear of the Lord, we rest with confidence, knowing that our expectation shall not be cut off.

The progression is from the posture of the heart (fear the lord) verse 18 gives the promise and assurance of it's fulfilment and in closing the responsibility to guide the heart .The three must remain in harmony

EXPECTATIONS

The literal meaning of the word expect carries with it the idea of looking forward to something good. To expect is to anticipate an outcome, usually one we believe will work in our favor.

Expectations, then, are the inclinations of our hearts toward an outcome we hope for. Yet disappointment often comes when the source of our expectation is misplaced and we ask God to fulfill desires that He never planted in us.

For example, jealousy may become the source of our ambition. We may desire success simply to outdo someone else or prove ourselves superior. 

While God delights in blessing and promoting His children, He is not interested in validating jealousy. Instead, He first deals with the heart, teaching us that our identity and elevation are found in His love, not in comparison with others.

But here is what God is saying 

My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from Him.

Psalm 62:5 

As short as this verse is, it reveals two profound truths.

✨First, David reminds his own soul to wait. The soul, if not anchored in God, can easily become impatient and anxious. Anxiety creates room for fear, worry, and intrusive thoughts. Waiting is not passive; it is an act of trust that keeps the soul steady.

✨Second, notice that David does not say his expectation is merely in God; he says his expectation is from God.

There is a difference;

The word from speaks of source or origin. David's expectation did not originate in his circumstances, his abilities, or even his own desires. It originated in God. Because God was the source of his expectation, David could wait with confidence, knowing that the One who gave him hope was faithful.

When our expectations are born from God's heart, we no longer strive to force outcomes. We learn to trust His timing, His wisdom, and His purposes. God becomes both the source of our expectation and the One who faithfully brings His will to pass.

Waiting teaches the soul that the One from whom it expects is faithful. He can be trusted. He can be depended on.

So, to expect is not simply to hope for an outcome. It is to ensure that the source of your expectation is right. When your expectation is from God, your hope rests not on changing circumstances but on the unchanging character of God Himself.

 Delight yourself in the lord, find great joy in the one who is your source above your need of Him meeting your desires.

DailyWell-Peace ✨