MANAGING EXPECTATIONS

Kayleen Dreesman on July 29, 2020

By Pastor Raymond Wicks | June 29, 2020

We have all felt disappointment.  I recently ordered a certain meal at a restaurant, only this time the meal was different than last time (even though it was supposed to be the same).  Was I disappointed?  Yes!!  Why? Because of my expectation!   

An expectation is a strong belief that certain things will happen.  

Disappointments can easily come when our personal expectations are not met. 

We develop expectations from things, people, and perhaps even from God.  

What are some of yours?  Are you setting yourself up for disappointment?  

Here are three tips to help manage our expectations.

1.  Lower expectations from THINGS

Things may not always meet our expectations. If we live for the next purchase or activity, we may be searching for satisfaction from the wrong places of life. We all like modern conveniences (cars, houses, clothes, etc.), but cars get old, houses need repairs, and clothes go out of style.  Even “fun” activities can leave us unsatisfied (in spite of all the great selfies).  Appreciate what you have and get to do, but remember things have the potential to disappoint.

2.  Lower expectations from PEOPLE

Bad news flash:  “Everyone in your life has the potential to disappoint you.”  Friends, children, parents, spiritual leaders, employers, employees, government, neighbors, church family, etc. can all disappoint.  People are great, but they all come with both assets and liabilities.  Be careful to not get too dependent on any one person to meet all of your expectations.  Some folks get to the point they don’t even want people in their lives.  Please do not give up on humanity, just put them in the right expectation category. 

3.  Raise expectations from GOD

First, ask yourself, “Have I even really ever expected much from God?”  We should!  We should expect blessings, guidance, and fellowship that comes from being a child of God.  

Notice the following thoughts from Psalm 62:

Psalm 62:5, “My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him.”

 What can we expect from God?
  1.   We can expect SALVATION – Psalm 62:1, 2, 6; Rom. 10:13; Jn. 3:16
  2.   We can expect JUSTICE – Psalm 62:3-4, 12; Romans 12:19
  3.   We can expect HELP – Psalm 62:8-11
  4.   We can expect MERCY – Psalm 62:12, Micah 7:18, Lam. 3:22-23

Look through other Bible passages for promises you can claim and rest in.

Lower expectations from things and people, and really raise your expectations from God.

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