Let Go of What is Not Yours to Bear
For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him. (Psalm 62:5)
Expectations from life are troubling. The more we expect, the more room we have for disappointment. The fewer expectations, the less motivated we are to accomplish meaningful things. Thomas Oppong, in his article “The Root of All Human Suffering is Attachment to Unrealistic Expectations,” points out, “Attachment is a prime source of all human suffering.” Oppong continues, “But when you consistently attach strong emotions to an outcome outside your control, you are setting yourself up for stress and burnout.” We can retain strong emotional attachments if we are wise enough not to take responsibility for things we cannot control. When we give over our emotions to things beyond our control, we give other people or situations power over our feelings.
No one, even our parents or spouses, should be given control over our emotional and spiritual well-being. Well-being is often about personal expectations. I’ve never brought someone to Christ, and I’ve never increased a church’s membership. No human being has the power to transform the human heart; that is God’s job through the power of the Holy Spirit. Our task is to work hard, pray diligently, and worship faithfully. What God does with our work is the divine One’s responsibility. To stress over numbers, or the fate of someone else, even those we love, is a recipe for overwhelming stress, burnout, and despair.
Others sometimes get angry when we do not fulfill their expectations. But often, it is God for whom they should be angry. Our power and control are often limited. Divine wisdom lies in not allowing inappropriate expectations from others to rule your life. The more attached to unfair expectations, the more consumed we become by hopelessness. Oppong responds, “Unrealistic expectations range from high hopes and expectations for perfection to fear of failure and doubts about one’s abilities.” It is a sin to diminish yourself to the point that you can no longer fulfill God’s call for your life. Don’t allow the expectations of others to reduce you.
Today, prayerfully ask God to give you the ability to cope with life’s obstacles. Seek the wisdom to keep your expectations in line with your ability. Do not let the presumptions of others trump the expectations of our Triune God. It is our calling to be prepared and available. It is God’s call to utilize us and guide us in the best direction that allows us to serve the divine plan. Don’t try playing God by taking on a sacred responsibility. Instead, prayerfully attune yourself to the divine voice of reason and faith