Disappointment is something we all deal with regularly. There are so many opportunities for loss, changes of plans, unforeseen circumstances, and relationship issues to disrupt our lives, some more painful and severe than others. How I respond to these disappointments is an indicator of my character, too often revealing my selfish nature, ungratefulness, and lack of focus on the blessings in my life, instead of choosing to be content in whatever circumstances: “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.” (Phil. 4:11 NKJV)

Some of my personal disappointments have involved circumstances I knew God could change if He chose to, and in my human, finite mind, there seems to be no explanation why things turn out a certain way. This has been especially true of losses in my life, specifically recalling the death of our 17 month old son 20 years ago, and more recently the loss of my dad. It is hard to accept suffering and death of loved ones as part of living on earth, but where would we be without our hope of eternal life?

Then there are material losses and unplanned for expenses as well, and we grasp for understanding and trust in our Provider to carry us through.

To be “real,” I am currently swallowing disappointment from a calendar conflict where I will need to miss an event that I evidently had pretty much set my heart on, in order to attend another important event that I can’t (and also do not want to) miss. I had been praying about this as soon as I learned of a potential conflict, but it is SO hard to trust God with working out these details in our lives for the best, when I think I know what the best should be! So yes, I had a bit of an attitude problem (ok, a big attitude problem) that I had to process and just “let go.” The same day, some other special plans with my husband fell apart to a plan B, so it felt like a double whammy. It is pretty easy to cave to self-pity and a martyr complex, and to take out my frustrations on unsuspecting other family members vs. extending graciousness. (Yes, my husband especially deserves a medal for his forbearance during my “processing!”) Giving up things I’d like to do due to last minute changes of plans and conflicts has been an ongoing exercise in character building and flexibility, but it is still hard. My daughter gave me a plaque that I keep on my stove that says “Just roll with it!” That is a frequent reminder in our home when life takes an unexpected turn.

Maybe you have also experienced the painful loss of someone dear to you, bad news that rocked your world, a child wandering away from the truths they have been taught, a relationship that has become distant, or can relate to calendar conflicts…. or life just not turning out like you had thought it would. I want to offer hope, and to say that God knows and He cares, and His plans for you truly are for the best whether or not we ever understand here on earth.

I am often blessed by words of Scripture and/or songs that seem to directly fit my situation, and am learning to pray and speak God’s truths over my life. Rejecting and replacing negativity with God’s truths makes a huge difference. As God works in my heart to bring me to acceptance and contentment, He helps me to cultivate a spirit of thankfulness, and yes, joy. As my dad would often comment, “Don’t let any thing/one steal your joy!”

I will end with the first verse and chorus of “Standing on the Solid Rock” which was on my heart this morning. Be blessed, and find joy in your journey!

“Through my disappointments, strife and discontentment, I cast my every care upon the Lord. No matter what obsession, pain or deep depression, I’m standing on the Solid Rock. I’m standing on the Rock of Ages, safe from all the storm that rages, rich, but not from Satan’s wages, I’m standing on the Solid Rock!”