“The eyes of all look expectantly to You, And You give them their food in due season. You open Your hand And satisfy the desire of every living thing.”
Psalm 145:15–16 NKJV
I have four dogs: Piper, Billy, Rex, and my favourite, Sugar. And anytime I am carrying food, and I walk past them, they stop what they are doing. They stare to know what direction I am headed with that food, and then they follow me there. Their eyes track every movement of that food from my hands to the table and from the plate toward my mouth. They sit on their hindes, drooling. They never break their gaze as long as I am still eating.
Why? They are hoping that I would share my meal with them. That expectation is written all over their faces because they believe I have the capacity to give them what they want. Their gaze is fixed because their expectation is fixed.
All Expect
Scripture tells us, “The eyes of all look expectantly to You.” That word all includes every living thing. Animals. Birds. Fish. And yes, you and I. Nobody directs expectation toward a source they believe is incapable of meeting it. Focus follows expectation and expectation always follows belief.
The Psalm assures us that when our expectation is placed on God, we will not be disappointed. He opens His hand and satisfies the desire of every living thing. That includes food for the body, food for the soul, and nourishment for the spirit. Even when we have the means to provide for ourselves, the resources that sustain us still come from Him.
How?
- Expect according to the Word
To expect from God, you must first know that there is provision for what you are asking for in His Word. There is Scripture for it. Find that Scripture and place it before you as you pray. Expectation is anchored in promise, not emotion. When God has spoken concerning a matter, you have permission to expect Him to act. - Continue in thanksgiving. Expectation is sustained by thanksgiving. When you present a request before God, you do not stop thanking Him. You thank Him because, by faith, the provision has already been made. The Bible teaches us that when we ask, He has already given. Thanksgiving positions your heart to remain confident and joyful while you wait, and joy becomes your strength.
- Shut down every plan B. To truly expect from God, you must resist the urge to do it yourself. Shut down every option that competes with your trust in Him. This does not mean rejecting help outright, because God often supplies through people. But every offer must be taken back to Him. Ask Him if this is His provision or a distraction. Many times, counterfeits appear just before true provision.
- Act like you are expecting. Expectation always shows in action. You can see it in posture, attitude, and preparation. Just as a woman expecting a child prepares space for the baby, you must make room for what you are believing God for. Scripture tells the barren woman to enlarge her tent, not after the child came, but before. If you are expecting, your actions will reflect it.
Prayer:
Father, help me to place my expectation fully on You. Teach me to trust not only Your provision, but also Your timing. Keep my eyes fixed on You, knowing that You are faithful to satisfy every need in due season. I choose to wait with hope, not frustration. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Bible Reading for Today:
Morning: Psalm 145
Evening: Matthew 6:25–34
