THE WEIGHT OF EXPECTATION — AND WHY ONLY GOD CAN CARRY IT
I don’t think we talk about this enough:
The fact that most of our disappointment in life comes from one thing — expectations.
Not hope.
Not desire.
Expectation.
Expectation silently dictates and anticipates that, “You will show up for me in a specific way, at a specific time.”
And when that doesn’t happen, our peace is destroyed. Taken away and forgotten immediately. Anxiety rises. Our heart races and our breathing gets short. Then mind spirals.
The clock becomes our enemy. Our spirit becomes unsettled. It can’t just be me, can it?
I’ve been there so many times, anticipating that because people had a moral or social obligation to me that they would show up for me, beyond even my own comprehension of my needs.
I remember when my parents divorced and my father moved out of the home. My expectation was that he would make attempts to keep my younger sister and I in his life. That expectation was met with sore disappointment.
I must add a disclaimer that many times my loved ones DID show up for me. But why is it that the negative experiences emotionally weight a ton more than the positive ones?
But here’s the truth I’m learning in real time:
I was giving to man what only God is strong enough to hold.
A Personal Revelation
Recently, I found myself waiting on someone — again.
He always had a reason for being late. A story or some type of an excuse… and I allowed his inconsistency to shift my emotional climate. Every. Single. Time.
After a few episodes of being on this anxious rollercoaster of anticipation and anxiety, I decided to just let it go. I decided that I would no longer be attached to expecting them to come through for me. A few days later I got a call. “Will you be available if I come by?”
And for the first time, something in me answered differently:
“Yes… but I’m not waiting on you.”
I had created my own agenda full of my own responsibilities and things to do that fed my spirit.
Not out of bitterness.
Not out of punishment.
But out of wisdom.
I knew where I would be.
I knew what I would be doing.
And I refused to anchor my emotions to anything unstable.
So I went on with my day — cleaned my home, cared for myself, prepared my space…
but not my expectations.
So, when the doorbell rang, I literally thought it was the TV.
On the next ring I realized it was actually my own home. I opened the door and felt something unfamiliar:
Joy without the anxiety.
Surprise without disappointment.
Why?
Because I removed expectation from man and placed my peace back in God.
The Biblical Revelation
God is the only one who can carry our expectation.
He invites it.
He deserves it.
He fulfills it.
“For I am the Lord, I do not change.” — Malachi 3:6
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” — Hebrews 13:8
“My soul, wait thou ONLY upon God; for my expectation is from Him.” — Psalm 62:5
Humans shift.
God remains.
It was a real in the moment life lesson that when we place expectation on people, it becomes emotional bondage — worry, resentment, confusion, frustration — because we hand over our peace to someone who was never built to sustain it.
One thing I will note is that I did take the time to prepare. I woke with the sun and got my mind, body and environment ready. This wasn’t in the pursuit of others, but in the pursuit of self. It was an act of self-love and dedication to myself and my maker, by showing gratitude for already received blessings. I take care of my mind, body and environment because God has blessed me with these things and I honor them and him.
Preparation is not expectation.
My preparation that morning was faith in action.
Preparation says: “I am ready to receive, but I’m not dependent on the outcome.”
Expectation says: “I need this to happen or my peace will break.”
Preparation is faith.
Expectation is control.
A Lesson for The Soul Space
If you’re going to expect anything, expect that God is who He says He is.
Expect His faithfulness.
His provision.
His sovereignty.
His timing.
His unchanging character.
Release people from the burden of godhood.
Men are not built to carry your expectations but God is.
Closing Word
This revelation isn’t about becoming cold, detached, or guarded.
It was about spiritual order.
Prepare your space.
Prepare your heart.
Prepare your life.
But anchor your expectation only in God.
Because when He arrives, He will not ring the bell by accident.
He will not show up late.
He will not disappoint.
And you will open the door with an entirely different peace.
The Soul Space Co. 
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