In Psalm 62:4, David tells of folks plotting to take him down (it could have been Absalom, II Sam. 15-18, but we are not told): They only consult to cast [him] down from his high position; They delight in lies; They bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. David wisely responds by silently waiting for God (vv. 1 & 5), by proclaiming that God is his rock and salvation and defense, and as a result, he will not be moved. What a beautiful picture of full trust in God versus how the Israelites responded to the report of giants in the promised land (Numbers 13-14). In verse 6, David explains, my expectation is from Him. Here is the meaning of the word “expectation”: תִּקְוָה tiqvâh, tik-vaw’; from H6960; (compare H6961) literally a cord (as an attachment); figuratively, expectancy:—expectation(-ted), hope, live, thing that I long for.
David’s expectation was as a strong cable to God that would never be broken. No matter what happened, no matter how bad it looked, he was secure in the Lord’s care. His trust is seen in II Samuel 16:5-14, where Shimei was cursing David as he fled Jerusalem. Instead of killing Shimei on the spot, he trusted in the Lord and said, It may be that the LORD will look on my affliction, and that the LORD will repay me with good for his cursing this day.
Conversely, instead of fully trusting God and letting Him call the shots, we can set up certain expectations in our hearts of how He should act. We can also do this with other people. It has been said that our expectations can destroy our relationships. If God doesn’t respond the way we think He should, then we begin to doubt Him. If others don’t meet our expectations, then we become bitter and distance ourselves from them.
Instead, may we do as David did, and give all our expectations to God, no matter what happens! My soul, wait silently for God alone, For my expectation is from Him. (Ps. 62:5)