Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – August 29, 2016
I wept and wept because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or look inside. Revelation 5:4
Everyone deals with disappointment—some more than others. These let downs vary in scope: another year of no raises at work, a friend’s forgetfulness, a lost opportunity, a teenager’s poor choices, a missed deadline, a relative’s financial woes, a boss’s oversight, an injured body or unexpected dental work. In this world troubles abound, but in Christ peace is profound. Yes, disappointment is a fact that forces us to make appointments with Jesus. He doesn’t disappoint.
John wept over the the inaccessibility of God’s Word. In his vision of coming events in heaven, the apostle experienced the disappointment of finding someone worthy of unleashing the scroll of Scripture. But immediately the prophet was reassured by a wise elder to trust the Lion of the tribe of Judah—Jesus Christ—as worthy to uncage the truth. An explosion of worship echoed in unison throughout heaven, “Worthy is the Lamb!” In Christ we are worthy to access His Word.
“God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith” (2 Thessalonians 1:11).
Disappointment left unattended leads to disobedience. The hole in our heart is meant to grow our dependency on God. He brings wholeness and holiness to a lacerated soul. The Lord heals hurt feelings when we offer forgiveness. Disappointment feeds selfishness when we don’t get our way. So be wise, if your frustration replaces your faith you can lose patience and respect. Allow your trust in Jesus to trump testy relationships. Adjust your expectations to His concerns.
Appointments with God help us to deal with disappointment. He gives us rest when we are restless. He gives us calm when there is calamity. He gives us peace when there is chaos. He gives us trust when there is distrust. But how do we respond to those who disappoint us? We see them as our Heavenly Father sees them—sheep in need of a shepherd. Friends falter, so will we judge them from a distance or love them up close and personal? Disappointment is cause to care.
Let another’s love cover your disappointment like a warm blanket on an exposed body. By faith, accept a friend’s forgiveness and your Savior’s acceptance.
“Then you will know that I am the LORD; those who hope in me will not be disappointed.” Isaiah 49:23
Prayer
Heavenly Father, convert my disappointments into affirming appointments with You.Application
How can I take my disappointments and grow my love and obedience to God?Related Reading
Job 6:20; Psalm 5:3, 22:5; John 6:60-71; 2 Corinthians 8:5; James 1:6-8Worship Resource
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