Daily devotion – Disappointments
Luke 24: 18 Then the one whose name was Cleopas answered and said to Him, “Are You the only stranger in Jerusalem, and have You not known the things which happened there in these days?”
19 And He said to them, “What things?”
So they said to Him, “The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a Prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to be condemned to death, and crucified Him. 21 But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, today is the third day since these things happened.
Christmas can be a time of disappointments. A family still not talking and split over something trivial and unable to find forgiveness or grace even after time. A cancellation from someone you had hoped would be able to celebrate Christmas with. The gift that was bought online ages ago and still won’t arrive in time for Christmas. The house sale fell through. Illness has struck the family…
As Christians we know that we are not exempt from being disappointed. Jesus told us that living in this world we shall suffer tribulation…Paul taught us 2Ti 3:12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.
The difference however for a Christian when having to face disappointment is that we have a precious Saviour who offers us comfort, and helps us when we face such things.
Firstly, we know that everything in our lives, every step is ordered by the Lord – Psa 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, And He delights in his way. This takes an enormous load off our shoulders. Yes we are to absolutely give it our best shot, work hard at what we are trying to achieve, but God thankfully guides and leads our lives His way, which is always the right way.
Secondly, we are to learn that as we live for Christ in a fallen world, we are always in a spiritual battle. Job’s life, our Lord’s life both reveal to us there is another dimension to the world we live in. But remember Jesus said even though we will face tribulation in this world, He has overcome this world!
Lastly, we grow in our disappointments. Now no one wants to be disappointed. We want everything to go right. But this is not a true reality of living in a fallen world. But again we do know that God will bring us through all our disappointments, the one’s He has allowed to impact our lives. In them He is guiding, protecting, strengthening and maturing us.
There is not one godly person in the Bible who did not have to face a disappointment.
Maybe today, this devotion finds you disappointed, maybe beating yourself up a bit, or angry at such. You have a choice, you can remain in despondency, continue to rail in on yourself, be in a rage about what’s happened to you. Or, you can rejoice in the God of your salvation.
It’s Christmas, Jesus Christ was born in a manger from a virgin called Mary. He has come to bring you eternal life, grace and forgiveness.
Read Psalm 73 in your Bible devotion, let the Holy Spirit take you through this blessed psalm.
Sometimes a disappointment can be one of the real turning and growing points in your life.
Don’t let your disappointment steal away your joy in Christ – give it to the Lord today and rise up out of it and walk in strength and power with Him – He has a better plan for you!
Philippians 4: 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. 6 Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable — if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy — dwell on these things. 9 Do what you have learned and received and heard from me, and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.