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. 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 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.
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. One of my go-to passages is Lamentations 3. Jeremiah is expressing his grief over the loss of Jerusalem.
This I recall to my mind; therefore I have hope.
The Lord’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease,
for His compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:21-23
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 am reminded that our Lord always acts for His glory and for our good. Anticipating His goodness keeps us looking for Him to shape us more like Christ and it helps us develop proper expectations of our God.
Love and blessings,
Dave