“Do not let your heart be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in Me.” John 14:1, TLV

Expectations.   Let your heart not be troubled . . . No small task, is it? Yeshua (Jesus) is preparing His followers for His death and eventual departure from this world. Because, based on the comments and questions from the disciples, they are troubled.

Once again, it appears they have certain expectations of Yeshua and leaving isn’t part of that expectation. Their expectations were more like “conquer the oppressors!” Or “give us favor by showing us Your Dad!” “Zap the apostates!” It a wonder Jesus didn’t pull His hair out in frustration.

Hold Lightly . . .

I wonder if most of my troubled heart stems from inaccurate expectations — from God and others? When what I hoped — and prayed — for doesn’t come about, it is unsettling. Troubling. One of my wise friends gave me the phrase, “Hold things lightly.” I think I’ll add, “Hold expectations lightly.”

We may confuse faith with expectations, i.e., if we have enough faith, God will come through. I don’t see that proved in Scripture. What I do read is that without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). Hmm. Maybe, faith is not about fulfilling our expectations but pleasing God.

Whatever we pray for, whatever we hope for, it should be with the understanding, not my will, but God’s will be done. Just like His Son prayed. How could we ever be troubled when God’s will is done?