Proverbs 11:23 Desire and expectation_

The desire of the righteous is only good, the expectation of the lawless is wrath. Proverbs 11:23 (EB)

Desire and expectation are both forward looking. They spring from hope in tomorrow. What’s around the corner? What will the day bring? My thoughts are constantly scanning the horizon. What will be happening this weekend? The coming month? I’m both looking for ways to better prepare myself and also finding the emotional energy to motivate myself forward. The need to look forward is hard-wired within me. I’ve read many war stories about those in captivity. When prisoners lose their hope they turn a corner and waste away, succumb to illness, or mentally tip. I’ve always been amazed at those resilient enough and against all odds maintain a hopeful, and consequently fiery, spirit and survive with stories and laughs to tell their grandchildren.

We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people— the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel. ‭‭Colossians‬ ‭1:3-5‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬

The distinction between desire and wrath are interesting. Desire is that which springs from within. It’s a longing for something. The ability to identify what it is that I want or need. It is connected with my will and the ability to choose and go after it. To me the impression is that this is the activity of a free man, or someone who is loved, valued and cared for by others. Or by a Savior. He is good and wants nothing but good for me. In contrast, expectation is transactional. I give something then I receive something. The Hebrew word literally means “a cord” or something I am tied to, consequently, expectation. Every human is subject to an uncertain and uneasy future when separated from the Source of supply and goodness. Expectation is more certain if I have walked to safety of the Good Shepard’s fold.

There is something internally compelling me to look forward. My body and often my circumstances prophesy of a not so bright future. But the words of our Lord tell us differently. In him is life and life more abundantly.

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. Hebrews‬ ‭6:19‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬