Isaiah 30:18 (AMP) And therefore the Lord [earnestly] waits [expecting, looking, and longing] to be gracious to you; and therefore He lifts Himself up, that He may have mercy on you and show loving-kindness to you. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are all those who [earnestly] wait for Him, who expect and look and long for Him [for His victory, His favor, His love, His peace, His joy, and His matchless, unbroken companionship]!

As we grow in our relationship with God, people will tell us to read our bibles, pray, listen to the Word, and attend church. Most of us will go through the motions of reading, praying, etc. without knowing why and without having an expectation to receive any benefits.

As we read our bible, we should have an expectation to receive knowledge of the Word of God to apply the Word of God in our everyday life (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
As we pray, we should have an expectation to receive our desires and needs met in every situation (Mark 11:24).
As we listen to the Word of God, we should have expectation for our faith to be established and strengthened (Romans 10:17).
As we attend church, we should have an expectation to flourish in life (Psalm 92:13).

Stop going through the motions of just doing something. Have an expectation attached to everything God tells us to do.