I used to believe that was unequivocally true. But now I know it's just unfounded expectations that breed resentment. When we learn to truly study a matter or a person, we have better FOUNDED expectations. For example, it is foolish for me to expect my husband when he is tired and hungry to be talkative and all sunshiny. It is foolish for me to expect my oldest son (not estranged) to call me on a regular basis when he never has been in that habit in the past. I don't like it, but that is the way it is and the only thing that would make me resentful is if I kept expecting him to call me every week. So when we start feeling resentful, we need to stop and look for unfounded expectations. When it comes to life in general, well, I think we are better served to base our expectations on what we see was the lot of even the most saintly in the Bible, what we see is the lot of those in the evening news, and last but not least, the lot of our brothers and sisters who are being persecuted and martyred. That way when the good times, events, moments come, we appreciate their value and savor them! When it comes to expectations of God, we need to base our expectations on what is clearly revealed in the Bible and not a verse here and there taken out of context. I know I had some unfounded expectations of God but it was my own fault because I didn't study about Him through His word deeply enough and only listened to what I had been told without being a Berean and studying for myself. What I have gone through with my estranged children has caused me to search for the TRUE God more deeply in His word. What I found was difficult as it blew most of my presuppositions out of the water but at least the hard truth brought me a measure of peace. I, like Job, can now say, "My ears had heard of You but now my eyes SEE You."

Barby, it's great that you are doing better. I understand the depth of your pain. Some days I feel the way you described, and on those days there just doesn't seem a way out. But then the next day comes and things look brighter.

I have noticed that two meds cause depression in me...Ambien and Flexaril. So, as others have suggested on here, check the side effects of your meds.

Thank you for reminding us that, "expectations are the root of all unhappiness". How true is that. Even though we've been estranged from our son on and off for over 20 years...still...still... sigh. Yes, now and then I expect to feel love coming from him...to no avail. And it's when I expect love that I feel the lowest.

You're right, people on here pray for each other. What a great place to come, where people understand us, love us, and PRAY for us.

You will be in my prayers, Barby.

Not sure I understand what you mean in your post butter. God promises to never give us more than we can handle if we have Him as our personal Lord and Savior. My expectations of the Lord is that everything He lets happen in my life is for a reason as it was in the Bible. A lot of the times it is to teach us a lesson for us to grow more depending on Him and not the world. Some in the Bible took quite a long time to "get it".

I LOVE the song we used to sing many years ago in this little Bible church. "This world is not my home I'm only passin' through. If heaven weren't my home then Lord what would I do? The angels beckon me from heaven's open door and I won't be at home in this world any more. Oh Lord I know I have no one but you.

As far as my EC I learned to lower my expectations of them when we chose to walk away from the abuse and disrespect. If I am to be a 'temple of the Holy Spirit' as the Bible does say, then I will not fellowship with someone who is trying to tear that down. Does not matter who they are.

barby I know the feeling. It is a dark hole and I've been there many times. I just keep praying and will be praying for you.