Remember that book
“What to expect when you are expecting?”
It was a month by month explanation of what a first time mom should experience during her pregnancy.
It was very popular!
Before google, people would read books! A pregnant woman would read a book to learn from another woman what to expect.
Why is this important?
None of us, man or woman likes unexpected surprises ... especially if the results might be negative.
A first time home buyer does not want to unexpectedly learn there is a sewer line near their home that emits a yucky smell several times a year.
A new teacher trained in upper grades does not want to unexpectedly learn she is teaching kindergarteners instead.
A beach marathon runner does not want to unexpectedly learn that this new marathon route has “hills” and lots of inclines.
Expectations.
We all have them.
We even place expectations on God, on people and on outcomes.
For example, if I eat healthy and drink water and exercise regularly I should maintain my weight.
A good definition of hope is
“Confident expectation in God and in His purpose prevailing”
Hope can also be a confident expectant trust that God will work out things for the good, (Rom 8:28) even if my circumstances or feelings tell me something else (Prov 3:5-6)
“The hope of the righteous will be gladness, But the expectation of the wicked will perish.”
Proverbs 10:28 NKJV
The hope of the righteous will be gladness.
What does this mean?
Well the righteous man or woman places hope in Jesus- not in a marriage, in health or wealth not in job or career, not in achievements or worldly success, hope for the righteous is found in God.
So even if cancer knocks on your door, my hope is in God...
Even if the marriage fails, hope is in God to comfort and bring companionship...
Even if the job isn’t what you dreamed it should be, hope is in God and you passionately serve Him with your gifts and talents...
Even if your dreams are shattered and even if there is a death, you can have hope- a confident expectation that God is God and He will work all things together for good to those who love God.
Even on your most depressing day, you can say, “if I die, I will go to heaven and be with Jesus forever and ever and ever.”
We can let our hearts be filled with hope.
The One who knew you before you were in your mother’s womb, the one that saved you from a terrible relationship, the one who miraculously provided the funds for you when needed most, the one who gave you songs in the night, the one who leaves the ninety nine and is not willing that any should perish, that Supreme Almighty God, that same Jesus who bled and died, He will hold you and be your anchor in hope for the next day! You can wake up free and joy filled because even if the floor collapses under you, Jesus is the foundation beneath you. He holds you up.
“The hopes of the godly result in happiness, but the expectations of the wicked come to nothing.”
Proverbs 10:28 NLT
When we turn our eyes off the circumstances we can feel our frustrations turn to joy. Who is the King of the world? Me or Yahweh?
God’s got this, so I can go to sleep.
This is a dramatic contrast to the expectations of the wicked.
The wicked are scheming all day long.
The wicked are so sneaky and crafty and desire to promote self.
The wicked have expectations too.
“One day they will build a statue to me, because I’m that awesome!”
They expect the world to worship them.
They say “get out of my way.”
“Get out of my lane.”
“I’m in charge.”
Their expectation is that the world, people and even God “owe” them something.
They expect close parking, VIP treatments, awards, praise and ultimately- worship. The wicked desire to be praised.
This is a lie!
The false expectations of the wicked will die with them.
Think about it....
That cruel neighbor or relative....
Those funerals are so sad.
Most people attend because they are obligated. The words are brief and the atmosphere is not celebratory. The truth is- this person was mean and their memory fades because their life was self centered.
God sees all.
There are times when it appears the wicked person prospers while the righteous person struggles.
This is true...
Look at Joseph
Look at Job
Look at Jesus
The key point is to remember it only appears as if the wicked prosper.
It’s only an appearance.
A mirage.
Again, God sees all.
He sees the righteous when she places her hope in Him and waits confidently - He WILL turn her sorrow into joy.
But the wicked... their expectations will all fade and turn to nothing.
We must encourage ourselves in this Truth!
My hope is not in my employer though I work hard and get passed over for the promotion.
My hope is not in all the love and efforts as a wife and mother, if a family shows zero appreciation.
My hope is not in academics, when I realize I’m not as smart as I thought I was and failed a test.
My hope is not even in my devotions (as important as they are!) because that would put the focus on self instead of Jesus.
Grace grace grace.
Our confident expectation is in Christ’s unfailing love for me.
Take an inventory.
When you get grumpy or bent out of shape over something-
Where was your expectation placed?
Hope in God- for He never fails. His ways are different yes, but He always knows best and from time to time He will allow our expectations to be demolished so we can redirect our gaze to Him.
