How many of your expectations were fulfilled last year? How many times were you disappointed? It’s normal for us to have great expectations with the fresh start of a new year, but the question to ask yourself is, “Where am I placing my expectations?” In order to avoid disappointment and have your expectations fulfilled in the upcoming year, you have to place your expectations mindfully.
The Problem With Great Expectations
Many people get angry, disappointed and frustrated when their expectations are not met. Unfulfilled expectations ruin relationships and sometimes can lower one’s self-esteem. In addition, it can make you to lose hope in yourself and/or others. It can lead you to conclude that another person is unfair or ungrateful.
Continuing to be disappointed in ourselves or other people can have damaging effects in the long run. You don’t want to become a person who has low expectations, but you might not want to put yourself out there again after being disappointed. If that’s how you feel, it’s time to examine where you’re placing those expectations and how to get better results.
Where To Anchor Your Expectations
Often, we expect too much from people. And when they fail we tend to be disappointed. We need to understand that man is limited and is liable to disappoint.
God is the true and best anchor for your expectations. He is unlimited and has the ability to not only support your expectations but also to fulfill them. Therefore, to fulfill your expectations for the upcoming year, you need to put all your trust in God and His word. Man may fail you, but God will never fail you.
“It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.” Psalm 118:8 (KJV)
Finding Trust In God
Trusting God is a good way to avoid disappointment, but it’s easier said than done. Here are some tips to let go and let God:
- Ensure your expectation are in line with God’s word.
- Present all your expectations (whether of people or yourself) to God.
- Declare to God and man that your trust is wholly on God, though man will eventually execute it physically.
- Do your own part (hard work, skill development, prayer, etc.) and trust God to do His own part.
- Give people what they need as long as it is right and within your capability, but expect God to meet your own needs.
- Be positive in your thinking.
- Do not expect the worst at any time.
- Always expect the best from people.
- Trust in God’s love for you and His desire to meet your needs.
- Be continually thankful.
What you expect is always what you will get, now or later in the future. To avoid disappointment this New Year, expect more from God than from people or even yourself. If your answer seems delayed, still hold on because your expectation shall not cut off.
“So shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul: when thou hast found it, then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off.” Proverbs 24:14 (KJV)
Ngozi Nwoke is a teacher and a counselor. A product and distributor of love. She has a passion to teach people how to enjoy God’s love and fellowship for more fulfilling life. Want more fulfilling life? Subscribe for free email updates today. http://stepswithgod.com