Disappointment

What do we do when disappointment comes? Perhaps we would want to consider whether we have somehow slipped a bit in our Trust. If God is actually and fully in control of our life – and that of every other person, place, or thing in this World, then would it not follow that we are failing to see the picture clearly?

We might want to turn our attention to Paul’s missive to the Philippians (in the Bible) wherein he (under the inspiration of God’s Spirit) said: . . .I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. I have learned the secret of being content–whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me. Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. (Philippians 4: 11ff)

I am old enough to have experienced a plethora of things that did not turn out as I might have hoped or that are not to my liking. And the inverse of that is true as well. How often I have prayed for life, health, recovery, a better outcome, only to find the spectre of death. My prayers are often concerned with the “state of the Church” as if I had more concerns about people than our LORD – who doesn’t always bring my prayers to an affirmative end. I have hoped for peace and experienced war, begged for more and received less, tried over and over finding only failure, and sought comfort only to endure pain. It is easy to be disappointed.

There’s a larger picture, image if you will, a plan, a purpose, a higher thought and way, something beyond my understanding – and sometimes my will – and God knows, He cares, He gives, He takes, and He lloves. Oh, how He lloves!

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. (Philippians 4:23)