Growing up were you ever told to dream or to expect great things for the future? When I was younger, I had a dream to make Jesus famous through music. I had a confident expectation that all things were possible however that was until I discovered that I could not sing. Having a dream has to have some form of reality in it, and in my case it clearly didn’t. But what about when it does and those things fall short, what happens? Over time, I have seen disappointment when expectations are not met, and seen it lead to discouragement. When our expectations are not met in life, work, family, relationships, business, etc. it can often throw us into an inner turmoil. Our emotions can rage and the passion inside of us can die. With shattered dreams and visions we can think, where to from here?
Some walk away from those dreams, visions, plans and purposes. Some would say, “lower your expectations and you wont be disappointed.” Others say, “expectation is the root of all heartache.” I have experienced heartache and disappointment, but it has been when I have allowed my expectations to be determined by external factors; either a situation, or a desired result, or other people. On some occasions it resulted in discouragement that attaches to the soul leading to frustration, bitterness, resentment; and consequently disillusioned, I can I throw away my peace, my confidence and my expectation for the future.
When the sea begins to rage in our emotions, we need to ask ourselves “where are our expectations placed, and what are they placed in?” Determining this indicates where our trust really is. Are we moved by life and it’s challenges? Are we shaken or discouraged when our expectations are not met?
David in Ps 62.5 & 6 states,
5“My soul, waits silently for God alone,
For my expectation is from Him.
6 He only is my rock and my salvation;
He is my defense;
I shall not be moved.”
This scripture indicates that expectations in themselves are not bad or wrong, but where they are placed or from. David states “My soul,” which is our mind, our will and our emotions “wait silently,” silently defined as “making no sound; quiet; still,” indicating peace, no turmoil, or stress, no bitterness or resentment. This is a challenging thought to get our heads around.
When it comes down to it what are our expectations in, from, or on? People, things or opportunities? When they are in Him or from Him, we can hold to this promise, “we shall not be moved” and our soul, our mind, will and emotions can be silent, at peace, and we can say “it is well with my soul”. We can have confident expectation for the things he has birthed in us, so take the time to dream again, hold on to those dreams and desires and build a confident expectation in and on Him.