Mastering Moments of Disappointment
I was sitting with God during my quiet time and I realized that disappointment isn't a stranger to me. It probably isn't a stranger to you either. Disappointment can come out of nowhere and sometimes it can even try to mess up your day. I was talking to God about how I hate to be disappointed especially when I am working on projects or doing things he asked me to do. God put on my heart to look at disappointment through His eyes and not mine. He told me to see disappointment as an avenue where he can work and bless me tremendously with a fresh new perspective on life. He wanted me to look at certain Scriptures for encouragement and to apply them to my life when disappointment tries to take me down. We all face similar circumstances that can cause us disappointment, but a change of heart can cause joy to spring forth from within you. Here are a few Scriptures for different situations of disappointment that you may face.
When you pray about a change you desire to see in someone's life.
John 13:34-35 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
John 5:16 Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
You have no idea what your prayers are doing when you pray for someone. You may think that the prayers you pray are hitting the ceiling, but they aren't. When you pray to God about the people you care for your prayers are moving. The same person you are praying for could have an attitude that is upsetting you, but how you respond to them with Godly love could be changing their hearts. People are watching you and your actions even when you think they aren't. They see how you talk to the cashier at the store or how you encourage the waitress at the restaurant. Those who are watching see how you interact with other family members. God is looking at the heart. You may see them slip up and you may get frustrated, but if you keep praying. God will show up and show you that all your prayers were for something.
When you want to do something new in your life, but doors keep closing.
Romans 5:3-4 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.
Ephesians 3:20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us...
The doors you pray for daily in your life could consist of promotion, career changes, and even new opportunities. God isn't ignoring your cry or prayer. He isn't trying to make you feel left out. God is trying to show you that the door will come at His time and within His will. He is trying to develop patience within you. Not just any form of patience, but godly patience. He sees the times you are upset, but God only wants the best for his children. When God closes one door you have two options to consider. Either the assignment is completed or there is something greater ahead for you. Trust His timing and His hand. When you look at each door in front of you God is orchestrating things in your life. When you start knowing that He is closing the doors in your life than you will realize he is really in control. He will protect his daughters at all cost.
When you don't see change in your own heart and spirit.
Psalm 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
1 Peter 4:12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;
God isn't looking for perfection or trying to rush you through your journey. He is looking at you with intense love and compassion. God wants you to know that this Christian journey is full of lessons and tests. He wants you to stop beating yourself up when you mess up. God doesn't want to keep anything from you, but show you growth. He sees you when you take time out for Him. He sees when you read your word and call out to Him. God sees your prayers and when you pray for changes about your character. He just wants you to know that no change will happen overnight. You are constantly transforming. When you do make mistakes or mess up just repent and keep moving. Receive his grace and don't be disappointed in yourself. We all make mistakes, but God's grace is sufficient.
When you are in a season of waiting on God.
James 1:4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
Psalm 27:14 Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!
God knows what you need in the season that you are in. Your season may not look like everyone else around you. There is no need to compare or continue to become worried about your circumstances. The waiting season you are in is according to the timing of the Lord. He isn’t scratching His head trying to figure out how to solve or bring answers to your situations. God is pulling you closer to Him daily as you wait on Him. The waiting process is never easy, but it’s performing a great work within your heart. Take time each day to reflect on situations in your past where God came through. Look back and remember what you learned during that particular situation. Meditate on good memories and good results. As you do this you will find a new sense of strength and joy within you. The waiting season in your life won’t crush you, but teach you to depend fully on the living God.