Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord. Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly.

Psalm 5:3 NLT

My precious granddaughter is in the terrific twos, so her emotions are all over the spectrum. If she does not get what she wants, screaming, crying, and pouting follow.

Upon reading Emmanuel by Ruth Chou Simons, I realized I was more like my granddaughter than I cared to admit. Simons compared expectancy to expectation. “Expectancy remembers what is already more than one deserves; expectation demands more.”

Expectations are how we want our plans to work out. Expectancy is trusting God and allowing Him to work as He sees fit. Unmet expectations leave us frustrated. Expectancy leaves us hopeful.

The difference is in our attitude. And I need an attitude adjustment. I decided that expectancy would be a worthy goal for this year. I soon discovered this is akin to asking God for patience. He will offer many op

Why not start in December? I thought. Family was coming for Christmas, so I established a plan of action in preparation. Each day arrived with new obstacles. I would like to report I met each hurdle with expectancy. The truth is I pouted, fumed, and stressed. The similarities to my granddaughter were striking.

At least I was aware I was acting contrary to my desired goal. Awareness is the first step in change.

January came with new challenges, resulting in both successes and failures in my quest for expectancy. Remembering that God is for me and is with me helps. He wants the best for me, but that may come through difficulties.

The Hebrew word sapa is translated wait expectantly in Psalm 5:3. According to Strong’s definition, it means “to lean forward, to peer into the distance, to observe, await.” That is my goal—to eagerly lean forward, peering into the distance to see what God will do in every situation.

Father, replace my demanding attitude with an expectant one. Forgive me for my selfishness and help me trust more fully in You.

Terri