Don't Let Disappointment Stick

A few days ago I had a disappointment.  It wasn't some earth-shattering thing.  It was actually quite small, but none-the-less it stuck in my heart.  A day or so later when I realized it was still impacting me, I knew I had to deal with it.  I've learned through the years that even the smallest disappointment, if un-dealt with, can cause big problems.

It's so important to give the disappointment to the Lord.  It frees Him to act, to intervene on our behalf.  It's when He can take lemons and make lemonade.  He can bring good out of a bad or difficult situation because of His creative ability.  We shouldn't pout, or bargain, or threaten.....we just simply turn over the disappointment to Him.

Once I've given my disappointment to the Lord, I know I have to put it behind me - sometimes easier said than done!  I haven't really given it to the Lord if I keep dwelling on it.  I have found that God uses my disappointments - small, medium sized, and large - to help me grow.  Simply put - our disappointments are God's appointments.  He'll use the disappointment for good in our lives.  And once I've given the disappointment to the Lord, I must choose to be content in the situation - even if nothing ever changes.  Again, not always easy!

If I've responded in a wrong way to my disappointment, I know I need to repent.  It frees me from hanging on to the disappointment.  We'll never be completely free of disappointments in life, but we can be free from the burden and weight of them as we respond right to them.  I've been learning all this afresh these last few days!!  Good lessons for me. 

"Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life."  Proverbs 13:12

"The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."  Psalm 34:18

"I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.  I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do everything through Him who gives me strength."  Philippians 4:11-13

"Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."  Isaiah 40:31

"Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me?  Hope in God; for I shall again praise Him, my salvation and my God."  Psalm 42:11

I guess I still wish the disappointment hadn't been there - that things had gone a different way, but I'm "free" of it.  It's not stuck in my heart!  I'm so very grateful that the Lord helps us with the disappointments in life.  He is good and faithful - in every little detail!