A Certain Expectation

Everyone in life, no matter their age, no matter their background, education, or financial position, has expectations. We go to work and expect to get paid. We place an order in a restaurant and expect to have our food served. We go to see a friend and expect a nice time together. Life is full of expectations, but often they are dashed. We might go to work only to find we are being let go from employment. We might order from a menu only to find out that dish has just sold out. We might visit a friend for a nice talk together only to find out he or she is mad at us over some misunderstanding. Expectations are so uncertain — except for one. There is one certain expectation in life — that is expectation in God.

When we approach God, He is always there to receive us (Hebrews 13:5-6). When we stand on His promises, they never fail (Joshua 21:45). When life’s situations let us down, He is still unchanging (Malachi 3:6). When love is lost in our personal worlds, His love is faithful and true (Psalm 119:90). When we walk in one direction only to reach a dead end, God always has a plan. His plans are for our good and not disaster, to give us a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11). When we have been treated unfairly, God reminds us to remain steadfast focusing on Him, because we are promised a future of no more tears (Revelation 21:4). He is also our daily strength, proving to be our everything to get us through anything (Psalm 28:7). When we are brokenhearted, we may come to Him and He is our rest and comfort in any trouble (Matthew 11:28-30).

There is nothing that happens to us or around us that takes God by surprise. He is Sovereign. He is omnipresent — everywhere we are, He is there. He is without mistake. Can we completely trust in what we expect in life? No, because none of us knows what the day may bring. We hope our plans will turn out as expected, but unexpected situations come upon us at any given moment. Even so, there is One upon whom we may trust with our every second. Nothing is too hard for our God. Nothing astonishes our God. Our God is over all. His Word is ever true; it is established for eternity.

When life has given you a low blow, think upon the promises of God. As we are reminded in Psalm 119:50, Your promises revives me; it comforts me in all my troubles (NLT).

In all you expect today — may the promises of our Father reign in your heart; then you will be blessed with peace and joy such as the world cannot give.