Expectancy, Not Expectations (Philippians 2:13)

“Expectation is the root of all heartache.”

William Shakespeare

Shakespeare accurately captured the disappointment we may feel towards another when they do not live up to our expectations. We have all experienced it in every relationship. What can be done? What about expectancy? Although the words are similar, the meaning is subtly different. Expectancy is accepting there will be an outcome, regardless of whether it will disappoint us or not. Author Laurie Coombs elegantly summarizes the differences. 

“Expectation expects things. It expects a certain outcome. Or that the outcome will be derived a certain way. Expectancy does not expect things. Expectancy hopes. It has faith that good will come but releases the expectation of what or how it will come about. Expectations lead to disappointments and frustration and disillusion. Expectancy leads to faith and joy and thankfulness…Expectation says, ‘God, I expect you will do X.’ It says, ‘God, I expect you do X in a certain way.’ Expectancy says, ‘Lord, I don’t know how or what you will do, but I know you will do something, and I know it will be good.’ God always does something good. He is continually working in and through our lives. We can eagerly wait with expectancy for what He will do, but we cannot place self-centered expectations on Him. He is God. We are not.”

For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. Philippians 2:13 (NLT)

Expectancy, not expectations.

For many years, I lived with the philosophy, “Hope for the best but expect the worst.” Although this seemed realistic and practical, it was still imposing my expectations upon every situation, setting me up for more anxiety. The only solution is to place one’s hope in God. If Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior, we have the supreme confidence that the Holy Spirit indwells within us, to work His will within us and allow us to accomplish what is pleasing to God. When we please God, we no longer need to be concerned about expectations. Our expectancy is God will always do something good.

Love and trust in the Lord; seek His will in your life.