We got disappointing news this morning when we found out that our grandson Mason’s heart surgery would be postponed. He arrived at the pre-op appointment with congestion. The medical professionals do not want to go forward with the surgery until he is in his best health.

You don’t have to be a dreamer or idealist to have experienced disappointment. Disappointment arrives when something falls short of what we anticipate.

I was caught by surprise how disappointing it was to hear that the surgery was postponed. Surgery on a 1 ½ year-old is not something to yearn for, but once it is planned, it would be nice to go through with it. Get it over with. Bring about the intended purpose. I was excited to have the physical issue resolved.

I realize that I am disappointed with God when I say this. All this stress of the build-up and preparation for surgery by Nate and Megan (and Megan preparing work for her subs) seems to be for naught. Diligence in planning appears to be swept away. Not to mention that there has been a lot of prayer by a lot of people.

Yet no surgery. Were my expectations too high? Is it too much to want peace and comfort? Disappointment with God raises doubts that are more emotional than intellectual.

It stands to reason that if I am disappointed with God, my expectations of Him are unreasonable. Conceivably, my knowledge of Him is incomplete. Perhaps, my expectations are a little more selfish. I want what I want and I would like it now, Lord. Thank you.

Have you experienced disappointment with God? Is it current? Is it long-standing? Where do we go to resolve such disappointment?

When I face disappointment with expectations not being met, I like to turn to specific passages in Scripture that have offered me insight into God’s goodness. I find that I need to marinate in His truth. I need a quick reset of expectations that I might anticipate His character and His work in each situation. That’s what I did today.

One of my go-to passages is Lamentations 3. Jeremiah is expressing his grief over the loss of Jerusalem. He expected that God might discipline His wayward people but Jeremiah never expected the destruction of Jerusalem. He is crushed. He wrote:

This I recall to my mind; therefore I have hope.  ~ Lamentations 3:21

I can identify with the need to remember God’s goodness.

The Lord’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.
~ Lamentations 3:22-23

One truth kept hope alive for Jeremiah—the knowledge of the Lord’s compassions. His mercies involved His undying love and loyalty for His people. He did not forsake them.

He has promised not to forsake us as well. We can cling to that hope. I find great comfort, reassurance, and strength in thinking of God’s tailor-made mercies for each day. Giving thanks is such a practical way to recount God’s goodness.

I am reminded that our Lord always acts for His glory and for our good. When it comes to Mason, perhaps my mindset takes in less than He wants for Mason, for Mason’s parents, for his family members, for all who have prayed, and for me.

Disappointment with God is real. I encourage you in the midst of whatever you may be experiencing to reflect on this same truth from His Word. Anticipating His goodness keeps us looking for Him to shape us more like Christ and it helps us develop proper expectations of our God.

May our great and mighty God draw you close with His undying love, His unique mercies for you, and comfort your heart in the midst of all disappointment.

Love and blessings,
Dave