Expectations

Surprised

Do you like surprises? Some people love the exhilaration of experiences that are completely unexpected. Other people hate surprises. This could be because they simply don’t like the feeling of panic or fear created by the sudden surprise, but it could reveal a more serious issue. Many people don’t like surprises because it reveals that they are not really in control of their environment. It can become very easy for us to convince ourselves that we have managed to manipulate the many variables in our lives such that we think all our plans must happen according to our will. But when a sudden component is out of place and our agenda is compromised this reveals that our confidence is actually in ourselves and not in the Lord.

Expectations are incredibly important because in many ways our expectations define the boundaries of what we consider good or bad, acceptable or rejected, righteous or evil. But if our expectations are derived from our own preferences then we are bound to be disappointed. Instead we must base our expectations on a view of reality and existence that is based on the truth of God revealed in the scriptures. Along with this worldview we must believe the hopeful promises of God that are for His people and according to His grace that is revealed through the Lord Jesus Christ.

Concerned

Some surprises ought not to be enjoyable. Concern is a legitimate response to tragic news. The surprise of a devastating or fatal diagnosis is not something that will bring about encouragement. But concern that drives us to look to the Lord and seek to honor Him in our distress and trust in Him for the accomplishment of His perfect will is an appropriate way to respond to difficult news. However, this is not the same thing as the faithless worrying of a person who does not trust God’s will or His grace to be sufficient in light of their tragic circumstances. God is explicit that we must not worry but rather we ought to rejoice in all things (Philippians 4:4-7). We also need to realize the danger of panic. If you are driving in hazardous icy conditions and you begin to slide, you must not panic. Rather, you must react carefully and deliberately to safely regain control. 

Excited

On the other hand, we must have our eyes open to see the many unexpected and sometimes subtle surprises that God puts into our lives for our joy. The giggles of small children playing and the ambition of zealous teenagers to accomplish their dreams ought to cause us to rejoice in the good things that God is bringing about all around us. We must allow ourselves to be encouraged and energized by the blessings of God. As the old hymn exhorts us, we must count our many blessings. We also ought to be excited about the promises that God has made to us. God has good things in store for His people who rely on Him.

Our concern or excitement is profoundly affected by our own attitude and disposition. Even the falling snow will for some people be a source of great anxiety and worry about the struggles and difficulties that may accompany the winter precipitation. But many others will be excited to see the beautiful winter wonderland, enjoy an adventurous sled ride, or taste the first batch of snow ice cream. The weather will be the same either way but the difference is found in our attitude and perspective. So let us receive the will of the Lord with faith and find the blessing even in our hardships (James 1:2-4).

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