Disappointment as Opportunity

"We live for God wherever we are, knowing He has put us there."

How do you respond to disappointment?

We know well the saying that life is full of disappointments, and the longer we live, the truer it rings. As fallen humans with largely unreasonable expectations for ourselves and others, we bump into disappointment often. "Man makes his plans and the Lord laughs," someone has said, and I'm inclined to believe him. We don't know what is held in the next week, day, hour, or breath; yet, we must plan our way. When we arrive at our destination and discover that the grass isn't as green as we thought it would be, our hopes can be quickly dashed. We're fickle, and prone to despair.

On the other hand, God is never disappointed. He knows exactly what is held in the future because He's the One holding it. The Lord has no need, so He remains unchanged in the unbreakable harmony of His peaceful sovereignty. God is not a creature, so it's impossible for man to interrupt His plans (Job 42:2); man cannot disappoint the One who appoints. This is why the Bible tells us that to escape disappointment, man must look to the Lord (Psalm 22:5, Romans 10:11, 1 Peter 2:6). Apart from God, we're always going to be prone to disappointment and despondency. However, in the Lord, there is no disappointment.

Thus, we should see each disappointment in our lives as an opportunity to align ourselves with the purposes of God.

Our frustrated plans are open doors to come under the sovereign care of the One who is working all things together for our good. Our scrambled schedules are invitations to embrace the order of God. Our mixed-up messes are dinner bells calling us to come feast at the Master's table, where we'll be well-fed and comforted.

Don't be distraught, but trust in the One whose ways are higher than yours (Isaiah 55:9). Remember that hope does not disappoint (Romans 5:5). "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight," (Proverbs 3:5-6).