Hurting People

‘Don’t sin by letting anger control you. Think about it overnight and remain silent’ Psalm 4:4

If you dig deep into people’s lives, you will discover that unfulfilled expectations are the root cause of the anger, bitterness, and resentment they so passionately express. When you trace unhappiness and frustration, you usually will find unfulfilled expectations at the roots. A man comes back home from work and seems to be angry at his family even though they have done nothing to incur his wrath. If you investigate further, you will find that it is actually because he was disappointed at work or by someone during the course of his day. So if you see someone that is incessantly angry or resentful at you, it really isn’t about you. It is the expression of an unfulfilled expectation. The truth is that hurting people hurt people. Unfulfilled expectations are usually expressed through anger, depression or resentment. For instance, to a woman who wants a child, it suddenly seems like every one around her is pregnant. Some people tend to lash out at the world. Yet the Bible says, ‘Be happy with those who are happy…’ Rom.12:15. Everyone at some point or the other has to deal with unfulfilled expectations.  Right from childhood, there are things you believed would be that did not turn out the way you imagined. Sometimes, as parents, we start out with good intentions but challenges result in an inability to fulfill our children’s expectations. The best thing you can do for your child is to be honest with them about the things they expect from you. Dashed expectations are the reality of life. Yet, what you do with the unfulfilled expectation will determine whether you will go around weighed down by the baggage you carry or you will set yourself free. Many people say, ‘Who will show us better times?  Let your face smile on us, LORD. You have given me greater joy than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine’ Ps.4:6-7. The only person capable of not disappointing you is God. The only one you can trust with your expectations is the Lord.

Prayer: Father, I ask that You will heal me and rid me of the pain of unfulfilled expectations. You, Lord, are the only one who can give me joy and I will keep my eyes on You alone, in Jesus Name.