Expectation and Frustration

We have all suffered from unmet expectations. We expect to receive something, but it never comes. We expect events to happen a certain way, but the progress in a totally different way. When our expectations are nor met, we may get frustrated or angry. In reality, we have made these expectations into false gods in whom our self-worth is entrusted. This anger comes because we have tied our self-worth to our expectations and our self-worth is now threatened by unmet expectations.

Jonah 2:8 says, “Those who worship false gods turn their backs on all God’s mercies.” Idolatry places our self worth in something that replaces God from first place in our lives because we have turned our backs on His mercy. Idolatry becomes evident when we become angry or frustrated because the false god, and therefore, our self-worth is threatened. We must evaluate the things we get angry and frustrated about to see if we have made something more important than God in our lives by turning our backs on God’s mercy and our self-worth is thereby threatened. We must humbly return to God’s mercy and place God in the forefront of our lives again.

Misguided

I can’t tell you how many times that I have misinterpreted what people have said. I have formed incorrect opinions and assumptions based upon my misinterpretation. I have even done things wrong or not done something that was required based upon these incorrect understandings. We do the same with God. We think that He wants to show Him our good credentials before we can come to Him and be saved. The opposite is true. He wants us to humbly accept what He has done for us, rather than us try to prove we are worthy.

Psalm 50:14-15 says, “Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High, and call upon me in the day of trouble;; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.” We don’t come to God with a list of our good deeds to impress Him. Instead, we come with a humble expression of thanksgiving for all that He has done for us. In this humble state, we ask Him to help us when trouble comes. He promises to deliver us, and in this deliverance, He will be glorified.

Sowing Seeds

In our area, plenty of fields cover the landscape. Every year, corn and bean seeds are planted in the spring and harvested in the fall. Every passerby knows that the seeds will yield what is planted, corn seeds produce corn and bean seeds produce beans.

Psalm 97:11-12 says, “Light is sown for the righteous, and joy for the upright in heart. Rejoice in the LORD, O you righteous, and give thanks to his holy name.” As we walk in righteousness with our God, He will light our way with wisdom and fill our hearts with joy. Our response will be rejoicing and unending thanksgiving to our God. He plants joy and light into our lives and reaps joy and light from our lives.

Know God

We are not a people who relish stillness. We have got to keep moving to keep up with the world and to prove our worth. But we are missing many valuable and important things by avoiding stillness. When we are still, we can enjoy the beauty of God’s creation. When we are still, we learn to trust God and not our busy lifestyle. When we are still, we find a peace in knowing God and basking in His glory.

Psalm 46:10-11 says, “‘Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!’ The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah.” Be still like the calm of lake waters where there is no wind or disturbance. Let peace fill your soul knowing that God is with you. He is in control and will be glorified.