Expect is a word that happens in the present. Right now we expect, as we anticipate the future. Once what we expect arrives, we no longer anticipate.
Philippians 1:6
For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 1:6 tells us to expect that God will perfect or complete what He has begun. We respond by expecting God’s faithfulness with hope.
Expectation changes our attitude. With what kind of attitude do we expect and anticipate the “good work” that God is doing in our lives? Do we expect with confidence and peace, or worry and anxiety?
Our expectations of God are built on the foundation of believing God. His word tells us that His purpose will be accomplished. We are privileged to learn of God and respond to His word with agreement and anticipation.
Isaiah 46:9-10
“Remember the former things long past, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is no one like Me, 10 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things which have not been done, saying, ‘My purpose will be established, and I will accomplish all My good pleasure’”.
God’s word tells us how to live expectantly. As circumstances and distractions come against us (and they will), we give everything to God in prayer, praising Him with anticipation. In God’s strength, we stand firm on the truths we believe and His peace stands guard over us. With His guidance, we replace thoughts that are contrary to the truth of God’s word, actively dismissing any worries that enter our mind and replace them with thoughts that are praiseworthy to God.
Philippians 4:6-8 (CSB)
Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy—dwell on these things.
When we worry, criticize, or complain, we are not speaking things that are worthy of praise to God. We should not think on these things.
Test your thoughts with the question, “Is this thought something that gives praise to God?” As we actively think on things that are worthy of praise, God’s peace overcomes our reaction to circumstances.