"My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him." — Psalm 62:5
Do you struggle with believing prayers? Jesus said to believe that we will receive what we have prayed for an it will be ours. Should we be expectant?
In a spiritual context, expectation isn't just "wishing"; it’s a focused form of faith. Here is how it is typically applied to the concept of believing prayer:
Shifting the Source: The verse suggests that expectation should be placed on the Source (God) rather than the Outcome. When we focus on the outcome, we often get anxious about "how" or "when" it will happen, which creates stress.
Active vs. Passive Waiting: Expectation is an active stance. It’s like a traveler standing at a bus stop; they aren't just standing there, they are looking down the road because they know the bus is coming.
Confidence in Character: Belief often flows more easily when it’s based on the character of the provider. Expectation is the quiet confidence that the request has been heard and is being handled.
A Practical Shift
If you feel like you are "trying too hard" to believe, it can actually create more internal resistance. Sometimes, the most effective way to apply this is to move from petition (asking) to gratitude (thanking).
Instead of trying to force a feeling of "it's mine," try sitting with the phrase, "Thank you that this is being handled." This often feels more natural and less "forced" than trying to convince your brain of something it can't see yet.
