Expectations

Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him; Job 13:15a

I believe it was on the Facebook Prayer And Praise group where recently a question was asked about whether God had given anyone a Word for the Year. I’ve discussed this with other Christians and I have experienced it myself a few times. What it consists of is God impressing upon you a particular word for the New Year. It may be something you need to work on, think about more, or just be mindful of during the next year.

When I saw the post I only glanced at it because I had received no such impression going into the new year. But after reading a devotion by Oswald Chambers a word crystallized in my mind: Expectations. It was not a joyous or encouraging word that struck me, for I had entered into the new year with perhaps the worst expectations on record for myself.

The year 2023 had blessed me in more ways than I could count. Though the old health issues had continued to be a thorn in my flesh in 2023, I had mostly held my own and had done better than could be expected. A new grandchild entered the world with all the joy that brings. A mild summer had allowed time and opportunity for outdoor activities. 2023 had been a very good year, until…

By the month of August the health issues I had maintained broke out of their cage.  For weeks on end breathing issues plagued me with doctor visits and what seemed like endless prednisone tablets to keep my lungs opened up. Then followed the worst and longest Crohn's Disease flareup–that I am still battling–I’d had in years. That was quickly followed, just before Christmas, with the news we had serious damage to our home that would in the end cost us just under $20,000 and the work is still not completely finished.

The year 2023 was a lamb until it turned into a lion by the end of the year. So New Year’s Eve did not find me bubbling over with expectations but at best trying to maintain the status quo and mostly failing. So this morning it hit me that I had a big problem with having incredibly low expectations for the new year. And that 2024 had become something I dreaded rather than looked forward to. Instead of approaching 2024 with a chance for new experiences, opportunities, and adventures.

Perhaps you have been like me and have not felt overjoyed about a new year and what it may bring. I would encourage you, as I encourage myself, to remember that we have an awesome God who turns things around. We may find that 2024 will be one of the best years of our lives.

Prayer: Dear Lord, forgive us for feeding our fears instead of our faith in You. Be patient with us as we too often lose sight of all that You have already done. And we forget that our momentary afflictions are nothing compared to what You have in store for us. Bless You and Thank You Jesus for being faithful and kind to us in all of our troubles, and for renewing a right mind within us. Amen.