Disappointment in God

Have you ever turned the water on and stepped into the shower expecting nice hot water, only to find it freezing cold?

Or have you ever turned on the hair dryer expecting it to actually turn on, and find out the fuse burnt somewhere in the middle of the night?

We’ve all felt it, and it’s terrible. It’s the weight of failed expectations. You thought your life would be different at your age. You thought you’d have married by now, or you’d have already had a couple of kids. Or perhaps you thought you’d have that job by now, and your life would be well on its way. You may even be married, and catch yourself daydreaming about what you thought your husband really would be like after the wedding, or how your kids would turn out. Instead, you’re spending your days driving to doctors and therapists, questioning the meaning of life, and frustrated with, well, anyone.

Disappointment occurs when your destiny doesn’t line up with your dreams.  Failed expectations are one of the most common problems grown ups have to deal with, and they are the Christian’s greatest source of disappointment with God. After all, you believe God is all powerful. He could change your situation in a second. And you believe He’s all knowing, that He could figure out your frustration in a glance. You believe He’s everything, but late at night, when no one is looking, you wonder if He really is out there at all.

It’s interesting too, because God warns us against putting our hope in circumstances and in fairy tale endings here on earth. He’s given us tons of examples of great Christians whose hopes here on earth were never realized. People like Moses who never got to the promised land, and David who never built a home for God. We’ve read about Samson, who repented at the end of his life, only to, well, die. And new testament Christians who were wrongfully accused and martyred despite great expectations of a risen king.

And then there’s Job, the Bible’s poster child for foiled plans. He was righteous, and godly, and obedient, and he still lost everything. But, I see your mind reeling – he eventually got it all back. Oh, but what a price he paid, and what a road he took. I’d rather get off that train right now, thank you very much.

Are you looking at your life with a load of disappointment on your back? Did you expect things to be quite different than they’ve turned out?  Here are a few tips for you today.

1.  Realign your expectations. In Psalms 62:1 it says “For God alone my soul waits in silence, from him comes my salvation.” And later on in verse 5, it reiterates that again, and says “For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him.” Stop looking at the gift, and start looking at the giver of the gift. He’s given everything for your life. He is your gift.

2.  Reject the Lies. Lies are so easy to believe. Satan’s used that tactic a million times to discourage Christians, and we still fall for it every single time. When I face big disappointments in my life, it’s easy to believe that God doesn’t really care about me, or that He can’t do anything to change my circumstances. It’s easy to believe that God has forgotten about me, or that He loves others more than He loves me. Reject the lies that take you away from God and His word.

3.  Rest in the Truth. God’s word is true. His character is true. His plans for you are sure and secure. Every word of God proves true, He is a shield for those who take refuge in Him (Proverbs 30:5). His way is perfect. Rest in the truth that God loves you and is in control of your life. Identify the lie, and replace it with the truth of God’s word and character.

4.  Remember. Take time and stop to remember all God has done for you already. He loves you and died for you. He gave you the very breath that you need to live. He has promised you eternity in heaven with Him. What more could you need? He has given you everything you need for life and happiness through His word. Relish in remembering His goodness!

5.  Resolve to Wait. Wait on the Lord, be of good courage, and he will strengthen your heart (Psalms 27:14). And Lamentations 3:31-32 says “For the Lord will not cast off forever, but though he cause grief, he will have compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love.” You are not forgotten. Your circumstances will eventually change. Learn all you can from them, and when it’s time, be ready to receive God’s goodness.

You don’t have to continue in disappointment. Your life right now is not a mistake. God is good and He is in control of every detail you are facing.

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