Living in expectation of God's blessing is a theme deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, encouraging believers to trust in God's promises and anticipate His goodness in their lives. This expectation is not a passive waiting but an active faith that shapes one's actions, attitudes, and outlook on life.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible is replete with promises of God's blessings for those who follow Him. In the Old Testament, God promises Abraham, "I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing" (Genesis 12:2). This covenantal promise sets a precedent for the expectation of divine favor, not only for Abraham but for all his descendants who walk in faith.

The Psalms frequently express a confident expectation of God's blessing. Psalm 23:6 declares, "Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever" . This verse reflects a deep trust in God's continual provision and presence.

In the New Testament, Jesus teaches about living in expectation of God's kingdom and blessings. In the Sermon on the Mount, He assures His followers, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:3). This beatitude, along with others, highlights the blessings that come from living according to God's will.

Faith and Expectation

Living in expectation of God's blessing requires faith. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as "the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see" . This assurance is foundational for believers who anticipate God's blessings, even when circumstances seem contrary.

The patriarchs, prophets, and apostles exemplify this faith. Abraham, despite his old age, believed God's promise of a son and became "the father of many nations" (Romans 4:18). Similarly, the apostle Paul lived with the expectation of God's provision and strength, declaring, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13).

Prayer and Expectation

Prayer is a vital component of living in expectation of God's blessing. Jesus encourages His disciples to pray with faith, saying, "Whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours" (Mark 11:24). This instruction underscores the importance of aligning one's requests with God's will and trusting in His timing and provision.

The early church demonstrated this principle in Acts 12, where believers prayed earnestly for Peter's release from prison. Their prayers were answered miraculously, illustrating the power of expectant prayer.

Obedience and Expectation

Obedience to God's commands is closely linked to the expectation of His blessings. Deuteronomy 28 outlines the blessings for obedience, stating, "If you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully follow all His commands I give you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth" (Deuteronomy 28:1). This passage emphasizes that living in accordance with God's statutes brings about His favor.

In the New Testament, Jesus reiterates this connection, saying, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it" (Luke 11:28). Obedience is a demonstration of faith and a prerequisite for experiencing God's blessings.

Hope and Expectation

Hope is an integral aspect of living in expectation of God's blessing. The apostle Peter encourages believers to "set your hope fully on the grace to be given you at the revelation of Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 1:13). This hope is not wishful thinking but a confident expectation rooted in the character and promises of God.

The ultimate hope for Christians is the return of Christ and the fulfillment of God's kingdom. This eschatological expectation shapes the believer's life, providing motivation to persevere in faith and righteousness.

Conclusion

Living in expectation of God's blessing is a dynamic and transformative aspect of the Christian faith. It involves trusting in God's promises, praying with faith, obeying His commands, and maintaining hope in His ultimate plan. This expectation is not merely for personal gain but for the glory of God and the advancement of His kingdom.