Fractured relationships, jobs that don’t come through, a sick body that doesn’t get well, or maybe a grandson’s team loses the game . . . disappointment comes in many colors and sizes.
We’ve all been there. But we can’t stay there. We know where it can take us.
I’ve spoken to a few broken ones in the past few days that are there now – right in the deep of needing hope. Have you noticed if we stand on the step of disappointment too long, we can easily fall down a flight of despair and land face down on the bottom of depression and desperation?
Our soul gets bruised when we’ve been beaten – it shows up in our posture and countenance.
Maybe you’re there now . . . I understand. When I’m there, I run to the shelter of the psalms to visit David.
He gets it.
David knew that others would let him down, he knew he would let his human-self down, and there were times when he felt that even God had let him down. Oh, you haven’t?
As he scribbled the psalms, the force behind his pen was an aching heart of disappointment and discouragement. But, he knew the way out. In God alone.
For God alone my soul waits in silence, from Him comes my salvation. He alone is my rock and fortress and I shall not be greatly shaken. Psalm 62:1, 2
No matter what is happening in your world or mine right now, God alone can make the difference. When disappointments become bigger than God, we need to shift our focus.
But how, when circumstances are blocking our view?
Like David, I’ve found a way to shift my gaze is to pray it out and write it out in my journals. And cover it with a Word of hope, the anecdote for disappointment.
If it were a pill, we’d take it.
Hope does not disappoint because God has been poured out into our hearts.Romans 5:5
The word hope means favorable confident expectation and the happy anticipation of good. (elpis #1680).
My prayer for you . . . that you will confidently expect good today . . . and tomorrow.
Verna
Oh Verna,
Hope does not disappoint because God has been poured out into our hearts.Romans 5:5
I used that scripture on my new blog banner just a few days ago. Have you seen it yet?
What a beautiful expression of hope you give through your writings my friend. This blog just
pops!! Thanks for sharing dear friend.
Hugs!
A special Word to never forget – no, I haven’t seen your new blog banner, but I’ll be happy to check that out later today on your inspiring site http://www.glendamills.com Thank you for your continued encouragement, dear friend.
Oh dear Vernita…! (My Spanish version for a love one!)
I thank God for your experience, intelligence and wisdom as you “knock” on every ones heart on every message. You make it easy to get it out and about!
How do you know I’ve been disappointed lately ? 🙂
I love you!!!
Martha
Thank you for your kind comment, Martha – and for my new name 🙂 I pray you won’t be disappointed for long!
Dearest Verna,
God is wonderfully faithful. How He encourages through you and your writings that penetrate to each heart. All our expectation and confident hope is in the Lord, yet in this world there are crushing moments.
“Crushed” – but not destroyed. “If God is for us (and He surely is), who can be against us?” I love you with the love of the Lord.
A old friend, Ruth
Dear forever friend . . . how great to hear from you, Ruth . . .I miss you and remain grateful for how you “precept” taught me to study the Word of God so long ago. And thank you for posting one of my special verses in Scripture – crushed , but not destroyed. Love you!
What a timely post! I’m catching up today on a few of my favorite blogs!
I’ve been walking in a series of disappointments over the last few weeks and battling hard to hold on to what I know is true.
I love this reminder. “No matter what is happening in your world or mine right now, God alone can make the difference. When disappointments become bigger than God, we need to shift our focus.”
That is exactly what I’ve been doing! I’ve realized anew that I get disappointed most often when I expect people to meet the needs of my heart and life that God alone meets.
He does not disappoint when I remember to run to Him for the needs of my heart and soul. Thank you sweet friend.