Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – October 4, 2015
Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall. Psalm 55:22
Process disappointment or you will remain in a disappointed cycle. Disappointment is meant to drive us toward God, not away from Him. If disappointment is not processed, it harms our heart. It builds up like emotional plaque, and blocks the flow of the Holy Spirit between Almighty God and us. The Spirit is quenched, and we are left to function in our own strength; this is a lonely place. Unprocessed disappointment leads to angry reactions. Whether it leaks out gradually or explodes unexpectedly, it is ugly. It causes others to ask, “Where did that come from? Is he okay?”
Disappointed people become dreadful to be around. They are unhappy with themselves and everyone around them. Disappointment is here to stay, but we can move beyond its influence. Daily we have opportunities to process disappointment. That disappointment may come in the form of a broken promise or an unmet expectation. You may find disappointment when you look in your checkbook, flip through your calendar, or step on the scale. Sometimes, disappointment is the result of a purchase or commitment you regret. Most likely, your disappointments revolve around people. They let you down, they don’t act right, they don’t give you the respect you deserve, or they don’t seem to care.
So, since disappointment is a fact of life, how can we process it in a healthy manner? How can disappointment work to our advantage instead of our disadvantage? Processing disappointment properly begins with seeking God’s perspective. We can begin to align with His view on the matter with questions like, “What does God want me to learn from this disappointing situation?” “How do I need to change?” “How can I be a blessing to others in the middle of my extreme disappointment?” “How can I shift from my disappointment to His faithfulness?” These questions, and others like them, help us process disappointment in a way that makes us more dependent on God and less dependent on circumstances. He understands our disappointment, and wants to meet us in the middle of our hurt. But He meets with us to move us beyond our disappointment into the satisfaction of our Savior.
Therefore, do not stay stuck in your disappointment. You can transition from blame; lay claim to the Lord. Christ cares so much. He overcame His own extreme disappointment when He cried out, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34) He cared by giving His life on the cross for you. Your Savior, Jesus, will sustain you in and through your disappointment. Make regular appointments with your heavenly Father to process your disappointment. Flood your soul with His grace and forgiveness. Pray for those who have let you down. See them as God sees them: people who desperately need His care. How you process disappointment is a testament to your trust in Jesus. Therefore, cast your cares on Christ, and receive God’s care so you can care for the disappointed. Process your disappointment by the grace of God, for His hope overcomes disappointment.
The Bibles says, “And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us” (Romans 5:5).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I receive Your love and acceptance to help me process my disappointments.
Application: What disappointment of mine needs the Lord’s healing grace?
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Worship Resource: 4 minute video- Desperation Band: I Am Free
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