I recently had a conversation about expectations that dug around the soil of my soul. Consequently, I dove into a word study. The word, expectations, brings to mind a variety of different thoughts for different people. For example, we look forward with expectation when we know something good is going to happen. This expectation fuels joy and hope. Moreover, it becomes an anchor point to our days.
On the other hand, there are expectations that we place on ourselves or others. If we are not careful this can lead to misplaced and misunderstood expectations. When these type of expectations collide with our life experiences it takes on a different hue than that of joy and hope.
Expectations and the New Year
As we face this New Year our expectations may have been battered from the turmoil of the past year. Many have faced sickness and death, fear and loneliness, as well as depression and despair. Yet the one thing I keep coming back to is the need to anchor our expectations in Christ.
The Hebrew equivalent for the word expectations is tikvah. “Strong’s Concordance” gives its literal definition as a cord or an attachment. Further, its figurative meaning portrays expectancy, hope, outcome, thing that I live for.
This word tikvah is taken from another Hebrew word quvah. Quvah means to bind together by twisting, to expect, gather together, look patiently, tarry, wait for.
As you think about these two words and how they mesh together you will find that expectations and waiting go hand in hand.
In fact, the first time we find this word, tikvah, recorded in the Bible is in the story of Jericho and the woman Rahab. This incident is recorded in Joshua 2.
Rahab’s Story
As we piece together the colored history of this ‘lady of the night’ we can surmise that her expectations of life and her experiences collided. Her misplaced expectations left her full of emptiness and turmoil. The anticipation of life had waned. In addition, Rahab’s outlook had become tainted with apprehension and the impossibility of a better way of life. Let’s take a look back in time to the city which Rahab called home.
The citizens of Jericho watched as the Israelites trekked into their territory. Terror gripped the land because of what they had heard about the Israelite’s God. As the stories of the Red Sea crossing and the destruction of the Amorite kings east of the Jordan were heard the hearts of the people melted in fear. Certainly, the outlook for this city was not promising.
It is here in the story that Rahab appears on the scene. She, too, had heard the stories of the God of heaven. Apprehension and misgivings must have played havoc in her thoughts as she noticed the spies that crept into the city. In the end, Rahab realized she had nothing to lose.
On the roof, under the drying flax the spies were hid. In addition, misguided information was given to the soldiers searching for these Israelites. When night fell, Rahab made her way back to the roof to speak to the men she had hidden. Under cover of darkness, Rahab placed her expectations in the God she had heard about. With one bold declaration Rahab’s life story was changed.
“…the Lord your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.” Joshua 2:11
Joshua 2:11
The Cord of Expectation
It was a scarlet cord that provided a way of escape for the spies. Rahab’s house was on the city wall. Through a window in Rahab’s house, with the cord as an anchor they made their escape. Moreover, the scarlet cord was to remain in the window as a sign to the Israelites that all that were in the house would be saved.
This word cord is the Hebrew word, tikvah. That scarlet cord became for Rahab a symbol of her new expectations that she had placed in God Almighty. Expectations without parameters because with God there is always hope.
In other words, the cord that hung from the window represented expectations that were filled with hope. Something to live for, something to wait for and expect. Likewise, we too need to cling to the hope of God and His Word. We can look forward with hope, knowing that God will always come through, even in the toughest times. Meanwhile, the expectancy and days of waiting twisted together to form a strength that was not her own. In the waiting Rahab’s faith was formed.
The cord remained through the wind and rain that may have battered the land during that time. In the breath-taking moments as the Israelites marched silently around Jericho and when the earth-shattering victory sound split the air, Rahab’s cord of expectancy was tethered to the God of heaven and earth.
Formed by Faith
It is no coincidence that Rahab’s name is found in the faith chapter of Hebrews. Expectant living in the God of heaven brought about a faith that removed her from a sordid lifestyle. Certainly her faith shines as a light for others that make the trek down the corridors of time. Most importantly, it is a testament to the God of heaven that can turn our misplaced expectations into a solid faith that will stand the storms of life.
Rahab reminds us that there is still hope in the midst of misplaced expectations and muddled lives. Her decision to place her expectations in God and wait for Him to work was life-changing.
Expectations and God
Have you dropped the cord of expectancy out the window of your soul only to face turmoil and emptiness? Moreover, have you prayed and prayed and received no answer?
Keep holding onto the the cord of hope and expectation. Remember that expectation, hope and waiting are inexplicably tied together. Let your expectant waiting form your faith. Above all, through the wind and rain and when your cord of expectation is flailing, keep your eyes on God. Be assured that you can wait on God with confidence.
Are your expectations on a collision course that bring about division and despair? Have you placed unrealistic expectations on others? Furthermore, are your expectations anchored in the Scriptures or are they tainted by human perceptions?
In the days ahead, take time to stop and re-evaluate the expectations that have become a priority in your life.
- Delve deep into God’s Word.
- Seek hope from the promises of God.
- Realize that your expectations can be confidently placed in God’s hands.
- Tether yourself to the God of heaven and earth.
- Rest in the knowledge that God is at work in your life.
“My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him.”
Psalm 62:4
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