Expectations… the Enemy of Peace

Unmet expectations create the Missing Peace.

Unmet expectations set us up to feel:

• Feel inward hurt
• Feel angry at people
• Feel stressed in situations

“Expectation is the root of all heartache.” ~ Shakespeare

“Expectations are the seeds of resentment. They are future resentments waiting to happen.” ~ AA

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when the desire comes, it is a tree of life. Proverbs 13:12

Hope is based in God; Expectations are not.

Hope is secure – expectations float.

Hope: The confident expectation that things are going to get better because God is in control and at work.

Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God. Psalm 42:5

For in You, O Lord, I hope; You will hear, O Lord my God. Psalm 38:15

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

Remembering without ceasing your… patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thess. 1:3

Paul’s experience forced him to learn.

Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phil. 4:11-13

And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

Comparison Creates the Missing Peace.

…but they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. 2 Cor. 10:12

Give all your expectations to the Lord.

My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation: He is my defense; I shall not be moved. Ps. 62:5-6

Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand. Proverbs 19:21 (ESV)

Definition of “Giving your expectations to God”:
Entrusting the fulfillment of your expectations to God without giving Him a deadline to do it.

Giving our expectations to God will cause us to:

• Let your anger, hurt or stress trigger the question, “What was I expecting?”

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

• Give praise in all things.

…in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

• Humble yourself before others.

Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Philippians 2:3

For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think… Romans 12:3