I read this quote one day, “Expectations are the building blocks for disappointment.” When I read it, I said, “Wow!” I guess it’s dependent on what you are “expecting.” My expectations revolve around knowing my Savior is the hope of my expectations. Without Him, I cannot expect anything more than failures and disappointments in my life. Even when things may not go the way I want them to, I yet have “Joyful Expectations!” Why? Because Jesus is the absolute center of my joy.
Despite what’s going on in our lives, homes, communities, or this old world, we can have a realistic expectation for better times and days. We have just come through a season of thankfulness and are now in what, to me, is the most beautiful time of the year. Those who know me know my love of the Christmas season, but I also see as you do that this season doesn’t bring everyone joy. Why? Because of loneliness, lack of meaningful relationships, not enough finances, or other troubling woes, there are no “Joyful Expectations!”
However, we have so much to be thankful for that whatever we don’t have will never compare to what we have, which is our precious life. Each day we wake up is another opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life. Think about it. If we can do something to bring someone else needed joy, we can expect to be blessed. Blessings come in different forms and ways-not always financial, not always for us. Someone may bless your children or grandchildren in a particular way. On the other hand, we may receive healing of our minds or bodies, which is more important than all the silver and gold in the world. Givers can have “Joyful Expectations!”
In conclusion, during this joyful season, let’s look beyond our heartaches, pain, worries, disappointments, loneliness, or whatever is troubling you. Good thoughts affect our behavior positively: fewer worries, less stress, and physical problems. Last year, we were uncertain of what the holidays would bring. Many felt pain from losing jobs, family, and friends due to the pandemic. God has brought us a little further toward normalcy. I am grateful that things are better this year at this time than last year. If we keep praying and trusting God for our life and well-being, no matter what or who comes and goes in our lives, we can have “Joyful Expectations!” Enjoy the season! A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. Proverbs 17:22. I’ll be back next week with a new post, “Peace, Peace, Peace!”
Be encouraged, and God bless!
Sister Jackie
Amen…You got me totally at “Joyful Expectations”…totally before I read another word. That’s the kind of mindset that I am striving to thrive in during this season of my life. For, with purpose, I am “expecting” to be “Joyful”, for I have truly learned that “The Joy of The Lord is Our un-failing Strength”.
Thank You so much for sharing these up-lifting words and helping us to, with purpose, set our minds on “expecting” to be joyful.
For “The blessing of The Lord, it maketh rich, and He addeth NO sorrow with it” No grief, only pure JOY!!!
My joy is elevated in knowing that God Loves us ALL!!!
JOYFUL, JOYFUL, We Adore Him for He, our God, LOVES us ALL…JOY! JOY! JOY!!!
Thanks again for words of encouragement that lifts our spirit and elevates our anticipation of “GREAT JOY”!!!
Our mindset is so important because it shapes our day and lives in general. Thinking joyful thoughts leads us to more memorable, positive days. Thank you so much for your wonderful comments. They are uplifting and joyful to me! May the joy of the Lord ring in your heart, mind, and soul! And let God’s joy keep you at peace in this season. God bless you joyfully!
I definitely have used that quote before to some extent to protect me from hurt. If I expect nothing, I won’t get disappointed. But as you said, it depends on what your are expecting. And also from whom. Because most of the time when I’m saving myself from disappointment – it’s from humans (mainly men lol). But if I’m expecting from God, it’s always joyful expectation (or atleast I try for it to be). But as you write, we have so much to be thankful for this season.
Yes, so much to be thankful for, and if we trust God for our life and well-being, we can always have “Joyful Expectations!” The Lord is our strength and our joy! Thank you so much for sharing those comments. And may God’s joy fill your heart and mind. God bless you in this beautiful season because He is the reason for the season!