How do we keep our disappointments from turning into daily discouragements?
I have a friend who’s enduring a host of medical problems. They’ve been through a procedure which left them with an irritating, painful reminder of their difficulties. Sometimes the symptoms can cause isolation and loneliness. They’re trying to fight, but sometimes the pain is overwhelming. Physical and emotional pain can rule the day. And who can blame them?
My friend’s situation is only one of countless examples of life not turning out as we’ve planned. Is anyone immune to the disappointments of life’s circumstances?
Chronic disease, estranged relationships, divorce, lost jobs, financial disasters, loss of property, death. These unwelcomed “guests” spring upon us and threaten to capture our hearts. How do we prepare for such pain?
God, Are You Listening?
Believing our welfare depends on our circumstances can drive us away from God, making matters far worse than any temporal difficulty.
In Psalm 73, Asaph writes about how his life has gone “wrong”. Focused on his circumstances, he was bitter. He saw wicked folks having good times. They prospered, ate all they wanted and lived lives free of trouble. It just wasn’t fair. Was he wasting his time trying to be holy? Was God even noticing his efforts? Was He listening to his cries? If God had cared for him, surely his life would have turned out better.
Then Asaph came into the sanctuary of God. [1] He entered the Lord’s presence. This gave him a glimpse of God’s greater story. God changed his heart. A better life, he learned, depends not on his situation, but his connection to God.
After this eternal gaze, Asaph wrote to God, Nevertheless I am continually with You; You have taken hold of my right hand. With your council You will guide me, And afterwards receive me to glory. (Psalm 73:23-24 NASB)
‘Nevertheless’ is such a significant word. It encompasses all our past pains and disappointments and brings us into this very moment. Regardless of it all, right now, we’re okay because God is with us. He takes hold of our right hand and leads us moment by moment. And when our temporal story is done, He receives us into His glory.
The Eternal Shift
Asaph may have needed to be reminded of God’s eternal work on his soul again the very next day. I know I need continual reminders. The temporal world is real. It’s where we live. The present reality is not diminished by the existence of a bigger story.
Read carefully Asaph’s conclusions and mark them in your soul. Come back to them often. Live in these truths.
Whom have I in heaven but You? And besides You, I desire nothing on earth (Psalm 73:25 NASB).
But as far me, the nearness of God is my good (Psalm 73:28 NASB);
Asaph realized that nothing in heaven or on earth could complete him but God. Being with God became his better life.
Embracing eternal truth, even during life’s disappointments, allows us to continually connect to God’s greater story for our lives.
Don’t Miss the Blessings
Concerning my friend overwhelmed by pain, I’ll quote, by permission, a challenge another friend gave them.
“If you read the Bible, it’s full of people suffering. God never promised a life free of suffering, but He did promise He’ll be there though our suffering. Our choice is to accept this or not. Remember, we’re not in heaven yet. Don’t miss out on the blessings around you due to your pain.”
Embracing God’s greater story frees us from the arduous task of trying to keep our circumstances happy. Paul calls us to orient our lives around things above [2] and to set our affections on God’s greater purpose of summing up all things in Christ. [3] God doesn’t just rescue us from hell. He desires to make us whole by leading us to completeness in Christ. [4]
God wants far more for us than smooth circumstances. He doesn’t want our feelings of well-being to be anchored to something we can lose. My friend Dave Andes says, “Believe me, God isn’t committed to your comfort.”
Challenge
Reflect upon an event or situation that profoundly hurts. There may be some choices yet in your control concerning the situation. Make the next right choice.
But, even if this pain never ends, you’re okay because God is our Ever-Present Help in times of trouble. [5]
Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face, And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, In the light of His glory and grace.
(Refrain from the Hymn Turn your eyes upon Jesus by Helen H. Lemmel 1922)
Prayer
Lord, I rest now because nothing is a surprise to You. You have my best interest in mind no matter what very hard circumstance comes my way. Please forgive me for the times I’ve “required” my life to go smoothly for me to be okay. I’m seeing more and more clearly every day that I’m eternally okay because of You and You alone.
These present difficulties are not even worthy of comparing to the glories You have in store for Your children. In fact, there’re less than nothing compared to being with You, and in Your love forever. [6]
When I walk in the reality of this truth; this greater story in which You are the author, my joy overflows. When I stray from this true reality, please correct my heart quickly I pray.
I love You Lord.
Amen
In my opinion, whatever we may have to go through now is less than nothing compared with the magnificent future God has planned for us. (Romans 8:18 J.B. Phillips)
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[1] Psalm 73:17
[2] Colossians 3:1-2
[3] Ephesians 1:10
[4] Philippians 4:10-13, Colossians 2:10
[5] Psalm 46:1
[6] Romans 8:18
Other posts in our series In the Moments:
Sorrowful, Yet Always Rejoicing
Exploring Grace and Joy together
Quiddity. It Could Change Your Life
Finding Joy in Love and Relationships
When I don’t Feel God’s Loving Kindness
Experiencing Completeness in Christ
Joy in the Journey is about the gladness of God’s nearness in the midst of life’s adventures.
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Nonfiction books by the Author:
Because joy is rooted in God and is eternal, it doesn’t ebb and flow with the waves of circumstances. In fact, as we grow in our understanding of joy, we can even experience it more acutely when life is hard. Why? Because God uses trials to conform us into the image of Christ. With this awareness, which gives us glimpses of God’s greater purposes, we rejoice because of His masterful work to free us from needing anything but Him.
For these reasons, and many others, joy in the Lord is commanded in scripture. It’s not just a good idea, it’s vital to our journey as human beings. Rhythms of Joy
Novels by the Author:
What happens when a professor figures out how to send messages to his younger self to try and avoid the suicide of his best friend? Did he change more than he bargained for? Beyond Time
By finding two undelivered letters in an old shack deep in the woods, Cassie and Daniel unknowing set off a series of events which uncover a plot to wipe out a whole family Hope Remains
Please Check out the Cola City Podcast . Discussions that impact the vision of reaching every man, woman, and child in a city.
