Expectations shape how we approach life, but what does the Bible say about setting and managing them? The Bible speaks of both godly hope and the dangers of placing too much weight on earthly expectations. Understanding the balance is key to living a faith-filled life.
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What Does The Bible Say About Expectation
Psalm 62:5
“Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.”
This verse reminds us to put our expectation and hope in God alone. When we trust in Him, we can find true rest and peace for our souls.
Isaiah 40:31
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
When we place our expectation in God, He promises to renew our strength. We can rely on Him to give us the endurance to overcome any challenges we face.
Proverbs 23:18
“There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.”
Having hope in God guarantees us a bright and promising future. Our expectation in Him will never be in vain but will always be fulfilled.
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
We can have great expectation because God has plans for our lives, plans that are filled with hope and a prosperous future. Trusting in Him allows us to confidently anticipate His good works.
Romans 8:24
“For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have?”
Our salvation is founded on hope. Believing in what is unseen and expectantly waiting for God’s promises deepens our faith and dependence on Him.
Psalm 130:5
“I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word, I put my hope.”
Waiting on the Lord with expectation is an act of faith. By placing our hope in His promises, we can patiently endure, knowing that His word never fails.
Romans 12:12
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”
Our expectation should lead to joy, as we remain steadfast in our faith, patient in times of difficulty, and committed to persistent prayer throughout our journey.
Psalm 27:14
“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”
During times of waiting, we are encouraged to be strong and courageous. Our expectation in God’s faithfulness gives us the strength to persevere and confidently trust in His timing.
Lamentations 3:25
“The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him.”
Those who place their expectation in the Lord and diligently seek Him will experience His goodness and faithfulness in their lives.
Psalm 33:20
“We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.”
As we wait with expectation, the Lord becomes our source of strength and protection. He is our ever-present helper and defender.
Hebrews 11:1
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
Our expectation is intertwined with faith. Believing in what we cannot see strengthens our confidence in God’s faithfulness to fulfill His promises.
Psalm 39:7
“But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you.”
When uncertainty arises, we can direct our expectation towards God. He is our unwavering hope in every season of life.
Matthew 12:21
“In his name, the nations will put their hope.”
Jesus is the hope of all nations. Placing our expectation in Him brings unity and salvation to people from every corner of the world.
Romans 15:13
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Trusting in God fills us with joy and peace, and through His Holy Spirit, we can overflow with hope, impacting the lives of those around us.
Colossians 1:27
“To them, God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”
Our expectation is grounded in the truth that Christ resides within us, bringing forth the hope of eternal glory. He is the source of our confident assurance.
Psalm 43:5
“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.”
When doubts and discouragement try to overtake us, we must redirect our hearts and put our expectation back in God. Despite our circumstances, He is deserving of our praise.
1 Peter 1:3
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy, he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”
Through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, we are born again into a living hope. Our expectation is anchored in the power and victory of His resurrection.
Psalm 71:5
“For you, Lord, are my hope, my trust, O Lord, from my youth.”
From our earliest years, we can place our expectation in the Lord. He is the trustworthy foundation of our hope, providing guidance and protection throughout our lives.
Titus 2:13
“While we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.”
As we eagerly await Christ’s second coming, our expectation is fixed on the blessed hope of His glorious appearance. This hope fuels our perseverance and keeps us anchored in His promises.
Psalm 119:74
“May those who fear you rejoice when they see me, for I have put my hope in your word.”
When others witness our firm expectation in God’s Word, it should bring them joy. Our hope in His promises should be evident in our lives.
Romans 5:5
“And hope does not put us to shame because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”
Our expectation in God’s promises will never disappoint us because His love is abundantly poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. His love gives us unwavering hope.
Psalm 33:22
“May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you.”
We can confidently place our expectation in God’s unfailing love. As we do, His love surrounds and sustains us in every circumstance.
Psalm 31:24
“Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.”
When we place our expectation in the Lord, we can find strength and courage. He empowers us to face any challenge with confidence.
Hebrews 10:23
“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.”
Our expectation should never waver because the One who promised is faithful. We can cling to our hope in Him without hesitation.
Having expectation is a vital aspect of our faith journey. As Christians, our expectation is not based on wishful thinking or mere optimism, but on the promises of God. These verses remind us that our hope and expectation are rooted in trusting God and His Word. When we put our hope in Him, we find rest, renewal of strength, and a future filled with His goodness. Our expectation in God allows us to patiently endure, be joyful, and seek Him faithfully. It is through the power of the Holy Spirit that our hope overflows and impacts those around us. As we place our trust in Him unswervingly, we can be assured that His faithfulness will never disappoint us. Let us purposefully keep our hearts filled with expectation, knowing that our hope is in the Lord.