I sat at my desk in the kitchen as my daughter filled out the application for a master’s program. We discussed this incredible opportunity to be part of a new venture from her alma mater. She wanted to have joyful expectations, but only a small number of students would be accepted, and she would have to return to the city she had been trying to escape- Washington DC.

The DC dread set in. Her prior experiences with internships and a stressful job in a big city led her to believe that this current graduate school opportunity would lead to a similar situation. Her concerns were valid. Often, we have expectations about how something will unfold based on our prior experiences.

But God’s word gives us hope. “My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him.” Psalm 62:5. This word expectation in the NKJV jumped out at me.

I often have thoughts of doom and gloom when I think about uncertain situations that lie ahead. My expectations of what is to come don’t always match the good and gracious ways of God. We don’t know how things will go, so we assume the worst-case scenario.

Why do we have low and limiting expectations when our Sovereign God is merciful and gracious? (Psalm 103:8)

Why do we assume the worst when our supreme, loving Father wants to give us His best? (Matthew 7:11)

As I listened to my daughter’s fear and concern, I considered the goodness and faithfulness of God. He alone is our expectation, and we can anticipate a future of hope, not dread. I encouraged her by sharing that I was confident that if God led her back to DC, it would be an entirely different situation than before.

Expectation in Him means we can have the courage, confidence, and conviction that if He is for us, then who can be against us? (Romans 8:31).

And a heart of expectation includes believing that with God, all things are possible. (Matthew 19:26).

We can expect that all things will work together for our good because we love God and are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)

As believers, our hope hinges on the expectation that Jesus will return for us and take us up into glory with Him!

Lord, help us to look to you with joyful expectations because you are a generous and gracious God who fills our lives with good things.