Seeing Truth in Disappointment

To You they cried out and were delivered; in You they trusted and were not disappointed. Psalm 22:5 (New American Standard Bible)

Where we turn in our moments of disappointment is a matter of life and deliverance. I don’t like to be disappointed. Does anyone? Yet, disappointment marks not only our life but our daily path. Setting our heart on something and not having it happen when we want it to happen can result in the feeling of disappointment. I often cringe at that aspect of myself. I want to be at the place where something can happen and I fully accept it with joy. God is letting me know I am once again viewing the feelings of disappointment as wrong. In His gentle way He is letting me know that disappointment is an acceptable emotion to the let downs of life, just as bleeding is a normal result of being cut. Feeling disappointed is NOT the problem. The problem is what I begin to think and believe about myself and others when the disappointment comes.

There use to be a whole list of lies that I would dwell on and believe. Lies like, I don’t matter, it wasn’t a priority for them, no one cares, others are more important, nothing good ever comes of expectations, and so forth. It was a time of self loathing as well as condemnation of others. It would lead me to draw the conclusion that if I stopped expecting anything then I would be able to safe guard myself from ever experiencing disappointment again. I am here to tell you, THAT is no way to live.

God has a better way for me to respond to the times when relationships change, plans change, opportunities close, or things just don’t work out the way I want them to. He invites me to embrace the truth of His sovereignty. He wants me to see His hand in all of the happenings of my life. His timing is perfect. His plans are fulfilled. His ways come about. My disappointments are His appointments. It is not a matter of just thinking happy thoughts. It is the necessity of knowing, seeing, and living out of the truth of God’s involvement in my life.

When the disappointments of life happen, sadness is acceptable, tears may fall, and a quietness may settle over me. But in the midst of it all I must allow Him to once again speak truth to my heart. I must see and believe the truth of what is happening instead of allowing me or the enemy to come up with a list of lies and distortions. Peace comes when I see every detail of my life as important to God. Joy comes as I allow God to develop in me a childlike trust in Him. To see a change of plans as His way of surprising me with other options and opportunities.

Many times, what I am disappointed in will happen eventually, but even if it doesn’t He is still in control, still on the throne, and still acting out of a heart of love. I live in that truth today.

Father, keep showing me where the problems really lie. Use every circumstance of life to teach me valuable lessons about You and me. Amen.

Kathy Troccoli sings "My Life Is In Your Hands"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VlmYxZAgrGI

He is wooing you from the jaws of distress to a spacious place free from restriction, to the comfort of your table laden with choice food. Job 36:16