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

Restoring What Has Been Damaged

And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpillar, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you. Joel 2:25 (King James Version)

One of my favorite Bible tools is the dictionary because it helps to shed light on a word I may not have a full picture of. Such was the case with the word restore. It means “to put or bring back into existence or use; to bring back to or put back into a former or original state; and to put again in possession of something.” None of that is necessary unless something has been damaged, lost, taken, or injured.

God is ready, willing, and able to show us what needs to be restored in our life. To show us what has been “eaten” by the locust of circumstances or people. Understand that behind it all is the enemy of our souls for he is the one who comes to destroy and devour us at every turn. We often times can only see the tools and individuals he is using but it is imperative that we realize his hand is in the ruin and havoc.

This morning I am thinking of the things that need to be restored, not only in my life but in the lives of those who will read this devotional. It could be the locust of our life has eaten our sense of something that use to come so easily for us. Those who have had their homes broken into often say along with the possessions the person took my sense of feeling safe in my own home. Those who were sexually violated or exploited live with the loss of feeling pure or clean. Acts of betrayal, rejection, or sabotage have left some with the inability to trust others in future relationships. Those who have been ridiculed or slandered may no longer possess a sense of confidence and strength. Those who felt the pain of failure or loss may no longer have a desire to venture out into the unknown. Whatever the case may be, if there is a sense of loss or the feeling that what has been destroyed will never mark my path again, God will show me where that incident took place, what affect it had on me, and the promise that He will restore it.

I cling to that promise today, for I am fully aware of what the locust has eaten in my own life and the result of it. Now I open my arms and my heart to the restoration that only God can bring about.

Father, restore that which has been shattered in my life, so that it no longer affects my relationships. The end of my story is still be written by You. Amen.

Fearless Heart - Point of Grace
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DljiOolx3j0&feature=related

There are now over 800 previous devotionals housed on this blog site. Read them according to date, theme or book of the Bible. Copy them for a personal notebook. Share them with others. Enjoy!

How to Change the View

A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit. Matthew 7:18 (New American Standard Bible)

For years, I could only read Scripture with a limited range of what it was saying. In today’s verse, Jesus was speaking of the false prophets of His day and giving people a way of protecting themselves from the influence of such. That is necessary for us today as well. It is vital that we sit under those who know and speak the truth about God. If that is the only thing I take from this verse I am the wiser for it, but God’s Word is not meant to only be interpreted as such. It is also meant to come alive and meet us where we are at in the moment.

This morning, today’s verse speaks volumes to me when it comes to my thoughts….particularly my perceptions of others and how I “think” they view me. If my thoughts are filled with suspicion toward them and tainted by my own insecurities the result of those thoughts will not be good. I will misread their facial expressions, misinterpret what they say or don’t say, and draw conclusions that lead to an uneasy spirit within myself. What normally would be lively, fun filled moments quickly become uncomfortable and strained at best. From that point on, everything they say or do becomes “proof” of what I believe to be true. I can tell the exact moment peace and joy have left and darkness has entered. It is a vicious cycle that has actually become a stronghold in my life. This morning, God is letting me know once again how to demolish it! Change my thoughts! Derive the good fruit that can come from giving others the benefit of the doubt and walking in an attitude of love, forgiveness, and freedom.

I see that so clearly right now, sitting in the quietness of my home with just me, God, and His Word. The truth of what God is saying is getting into my heart. Yet the test of how it will affect me is going to be the next time I am face to face with someone and perceptions begin to make their way into my mental gallery of thoughts. When distorted portraits begin to be displayed on the walls of my mind will I believe what I “see” or will I remove them with a rebuke and live in the freedom of uncluttered thinking? I have a choice in the matter and too often I dust and straighten the pictures instead of removing them. The longer I dwell upon what is false the stronger its grip will be. The pull of that grip can also be weakened and that is the realization and hope God wants me to embrace.

Father, how You must ache to see me lose battles that don’t have to be lost. Help me to fight when I so easily want to yield. Amen.

All to Jesus I Surrender
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7x2IpLSfqp8&feature=related

I welcome your questions and comments to any devotional thoughts. I am honored and delighted to share my journey with you and privileged to hear of yours.

Created and Recreated

Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth." Genesis 1:26 (New American Standard Bible)

One of the aspects of being created in God’s image is that we are triune in nature. That means we are made up of three parts…body (physical), soul (emotional), and spirit (spiritual). Along with those components we were created for a purpose. We struggle to fully live out that purpose when one or all of our being is not whole and healthy.

A little over a year ago, I was in trouble in all three areas of my life. Physically I was obese with a life style of making unhealthy food choices. Emotionally I was dependent upon a significant person and bottomed out when all ties were severed. Spiritually I was more in tune to listening to what others said about God than what God was saying to me. Although I could write devotionals with ease, internally I was on shaky ground. Over the course of this past year, God has graciously worked on all three areas.

My physical transformation began when I joined Weight Watchers five months ago. I learned not only what to eat but how to properly view food. One benefit that came from that was a loss of 50 pounds. I feel better than I have felt in decades.

My emotional transformation began when my pastor’s wife saw my struggles and offered to be in an accountability partnership with me. Her listening ear, discerning spirit, wise words, and desire to see me emotionally free have been God’s primary means of healing for me. As we presently do a study through a book on emotional wholeness the fog is beginning to clear and the emotional strength is coming.

My spiritual transformation has been in learning to hear God’s voice more clearly through His Word, prayer, music, and the every day happenings of life. The mutual communication, contact, and connection that we share is both profound and powerful.

Although there is still much to be done in me, I am NOT the same person I was last year at this time. I can see the differences and I am living life more fully out of those differences. To God be the glory!

Father, I doubted I would ever see days like this. What You have done in the last year leaves me in wonder and amazement of You. I look forward to Your continued touch in the coming new year. Amen.

With All I Am - Hillsong
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMrAafe7Mns&feature=related

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

The Preservation of My Spirit

You have granted me life and loving kindness; and Your care has preserved my spirit. Job 10:12 (New American Standard Bible)

One of the aspects of God’s loving kindness and watch care over us as His children is the preservation our spirit. To guard it, protect it, and keep it safe. In the midst of hurt, disappointment, troubles, or loss…when the bottom of life seems to fall out from underneath our feet….when life’s worst circumstances make their way into our once peaceful abode, He is faithfully and lovingly keeping our spirit alive and intact. That part of us that seeks after God, that desires fellowship with God, and that longs to know Him continues to pulsate with life even when our heart is breaking or our mind is in turmoil. It is as constant as the beating of our heart.

So how can we tell our spirit is being preserved? We are still open to God and His ways. Turning our back on Him and walking away is not our intent or experience. We are looking to Him for direction and comfort. We continue to stand on the foundational truths of His Word. We remain teachable to the things He wants us to know and learn. Over time we see the growth in our life that has come about by the very thing we thought would do us in.

Often though, we mistakenly think that because we shed tears, ask why, experience a full range of emotions, feel internally at odds, and walk with a heavy heart and mind that our spirit has not been preserved. That is not the case! Just as we will bleed if we are cut, the problems and difficulties of life will hurt. God is not surprised by our pain. He knows how deeply it hurts or scares us but He also knows what He will use to bring us out on to the other side of whatever we are walking through. He is holding on to us even when our own grip is weakening.

My heart’s desire is to come away from whatever God’s causes or allows in my life with more knowledge of Him, more trust in Him, more awareness of Him, and more love for Him than I had before the storm broke. That is a part of the preservation of my spirit. Who but God could do such a thing? Who but God would even think of it?

I don’t always get it right but He does. He is passionate about bringing me through this life molded into the image of His Son…complete, whole, and mature in Him. I trust Him for the process, timing, and accomplishment of it all.

Father, You keep astounding me at every turn. Amen.

You're Still God - Kathy Troccoli
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvclzwpAMxg

There are now over 800 previous devotionals housed on this blog site. Read them according to date, theme or book of the Bible. Copy them for a personal notebook. Share them with others. Enjoy!

The One Who Teaches Me

I, even I, will be with your mouth, and teach you what you are to say…and I, even I, will be with your mouth … and I will teach you what you are to do. Exodus 4:12, 15 (New American Standard Bible)

Moses’ sense and belief of inadequacy, inability, and insecurity made for an interesting response to God’s choosing of him to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt. God offered Himself as Moses’ personal Teacher so he could learn the things necessary to carry out the responsibilities that lay before him. God knew that Moses’ words and actions would be important aspects of his leadership and He was ready and willing to invest Himself in the development of both.

It is no different for each child of His today. Just like with Moses, God promises to teach us what to say and what to do in any and all circumstances and situations. I, for one, need His help! If left on my own, I say and do the wrong things. What are the things God is teaching me to say and do?

As far as my words are concerned, He is teaching me the necessity of truthfulness. Speaking what is true rather than what is perceived and believed. Those misperceptions and lies can be huge walls and doors that keep out the very things that are meant to be said. They affect the way I think, feel, and act. They limit the freedom God desires that I walk in and (like Moses) they cause me to believe I can’t do the things God calls me to do. One litmus test I am learning to use for determining the truthfulness or falsehood of my words, is to speak them to those who know me. They will usually be able to tell if what I am saying is really true or not. When my perceptions have clouded my view they help to clear the sky of my mind. It is then up to me to take the steps necessary to align myself with what is true and then speak it.

As far as my actions are concerned they must stem from a life of obedience derived from open ears and an open heart to God‘s voice, will, and ways. I can either choose to walk parallel with God or I can choose to walk opposed to Him. Both have huge consequences. The first brings about unity, power, and peace. The second brings turmoil and unnecessary hardships. The first is based on faith while the second is based on fear and self preservation.

How important are my words and actions? Important enough for God to step in and personally instruct me in the way I should speak and the way I should go.

Father, help me to say and do that which You are teaching me. I don’t just want to hear You. I want to walk in agreement with You. Let Your words to me affect my words and actions in profound ways. Amen.

In The Potters Hand - Hillsong (HQ sound)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=6beNoG0H0E0&feature=related

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

When I Don't See It

For we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7 (New American Standard Bible)

If I live out of only what I can see, feel, and experience, than I will lack the joy that comes from living with anticipation and expectation of what I believe God is able and willing to do in my life. Faith is as much a necessity for my spiritual life as eating and breathing is for my physical life. It propels me to move forward in the midst of difficulty. It comforts me in the midst of sadness and heartache. It cheers me on in the midst of failure and weakness. It sustains me in the midst of tiredness. It guides me in the midst of confusion and uncertainty. It brings forth the impossible in the midst of impossibility. Not faith for faith’s sake, but faith that is grounded and based upon God’s Word and in God Himself.

I have faith that God is going to complete the work He has started in me. I long for the completion of that work and stand in full awareness that there are areas of my life that are incomplete. One thing I do to nurture that faith is look at things God has fully worked out in me and take those as my guarantee that He will do the same else where. This is especially true for me in the area of addictions.

I have seen God work wonders with one addiction that use to control and bind me and what He has done helps me to see that freedom is possible in regards to other addictions. It paints for me a picture of what the freedom will look like and keeps me fully aware of when I am not experiencing it yet. When I am free of something it no longer has a pull on me. It no longer consumes my thoughts. It no longer becomes a requirement for me to have in order to feel satisfied, fulfilled, or significant. It no longer takes me on an emotional roller coaster of highs and lows. I can honestly take it or leave it. I am fully free of its power and meaning in my life even when it is in my presence.

I am experiencing that in one area of my life, but when I am not experiencing and seeing that in other areas that is when my faith in God’s ability is essential and life giving. That is when I have to stand on His Word and His promises to help me, uphold me, and guide me. That is when I have to see with my spirit eyes instead of with my physical eyes. The changes are coming. The freedom will be mine without a doubt. When that happens I will fully know it. I will fully embrace it. More importantly I will fully share it with others as a way of giving them hope for what they themselves long for.


Father, I still feel the pull of the addiction that only You can break. In the midst of it all, let me feel the pull of Your hand on me as well. Amen.

Word of God Speak ~ Mercy Me
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JK_6osCH74&feature=related

I welcome your questions and comments to any devotional thoughts. I am honored and delighted to share my journey with you and privileged to hear of yours.