Disappointment – What a dramatic word. According to the dictionary disappointment is, “sadness or displeasure caused by the nonfulfillment of one’s hopes or expectations.” All of us have encountered it, felt its pain and some are even living in the wake of disappointment now. However if you look closely at the definition of disappointment it is about our unfulfilled hopes and expectations.
I recently listened to a short Podcast by Tim Tebow. He dreamed of becoming a NFL Quarterback and was drafted #1 in 2010 by the Denver Broncos in the first round. However his football career was short-lived. Disappointment was huge. He said that time gave him perspective and it was through the disappointment he discovered his true calling and passion. The Tim Tebow foundation is making a huge impact around the world. He realized through the disappointment his opportunity!
Many of us have become like mummies wrapped in our disappointments, embalmed with bitterness and anger, and entombed in fear and hopelessness. You can’t live your best life wrapped up and entombed – dead inside. Jesus is standing at that tomb ready to roll away that heavy stone and call you out – “Come Forth”, just like with Lazarus in John 11. So here are a few steps back from disappointment.
- Acknowledge your disappointment and grieve it. There is something very deep and healing during the process of acknowledgement of pain. Embrace the pain and allow God to heal through it. I used to work in a rehab center and I would say to patients “you have to work through the pain!” How smug was I. I recently tore my meniscus, found out I have arthritis and an insufficiency fracture. Working through the pain!! Dear God it hurts!! My road to recovery is still in process, but then today, I took my first hike up and down the mountain! If you do not work through the pain, mourn it, grieve it, see it, then you are running from it. Don’t let disappointment keep you mummified!
- Allow God to set your expectations and hopes because disappointment happens when these are not met and unfulfilled. Often times our expectations and hopes are misplaced. We are expecting others to meet our needs and fulfill our lives, if they don’t do what we want and believe they should, we are crushed. God through His word, in prayer, godly counsel and by the Holy Spirit helps us to evaluate and reset our expectations.
- Take off the linens and come out of that tomb! There comes a time we chose to walk out of that tomb and embrace Jesus! Don’t wallow in disappointment. Wallowing is rooted in self-pity and keeps us stick. We must leave that tomb behind and walk away embracing a new hope found in God alone. Believe in God’s plan for your life! I recently visited Canaan in the Desert and the stations of the cross. There is a stone placed at the beginning of your journey with a quote from Mother Basilea that says, “My Father I do not understand You, but I trust You.” I encourage you, come out of the tomb and live!
“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:17-18
Wow, I think I need to look at the 3 steps more closely. I love Canaan In the Desert, everyone should visit it. They have boxes with little sayings at each station with words of wisdom like you said and a sweet prayer chapel. Thanks for always sharing your wisdom even when it hurts.
Thanks for sharing DaNetta.