“We have this treasure in earthen vessels.” 2 Corinthians 4:7 NKJV.
Disappointment comes from varied sources in assorted sizes.
My thoughts and comments today are about, “disappointment.”
People will not always behave as you expect. Inevitably, you will need to deal with disappointment because that is one of the life’s common experiences. Disappointment comes from varied sources in assorted sizes. Sometimes it happens in a sequence of little things, and at other times occurs more painfully, sudden and unexpected. The word simply means, “not as appointed.”
There are a lot of things that could be described that way; they just don’t turn out according to your plans or preference. The small things produce momentary discomfort that may slow but not stop you. You adjust, recalculate, and resume your journey no worse for wear. Sometimes situations are disappointing; at other times people disappoint, just as you have and will disappoint others.
Usually, people don’t mean to disappoint others. Like the rest of us, people are often self-centered, not thinking of how a word or action will affect others. When a person disappoints you, it feels more personal and difficult than when things or plans don’t happen as you hoped. You cannot choose the actions or control what others do or say; you must choose and control what you do and say. Jesus words were wise and practical when you feel disappointed by others, “If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you.” Read Matthew 10:12-14 NIV. Refuse to carry someone else’s relational baggage. Peace of heart and mind is invaluable.
The best way to deal with people who disappoint you is simple: forgive and forget. First, consider yourself and the grace shown to you by God and others. “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32 NIV. Don’t harbor wrongs done to you; deal with your feelings promptly and thoroughly. Some wrongs were real; some were imagined; and few if any were as bad as they felt at the time.
Now, let’s talk about times when you disappoint others, and yourself. The worst disappointment you will feel is when you fail in a big way and know it – when you let your family down, are not the friend you meant to be, did not do what you knew was right, or do not live up to your own convictions and standards. The best way to deal with that is to “face up, ‘fess up, and forge ahead.” Remember your humanity.
Jesus’ words were plain, “Apart from Me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 NIV. It is a dangerous illusion to assume you are perfect, “We have this spiritual treasure like common clay pots, in order to show that the supreme power belongs to God, not to us. We are often troubled, but not crushed; sometimes in doubt, but never in despair.” 2 Corinthians 4:7-9 TEV. Yours or others’ failure is not final if you include God.
Today, I pray for you to bring every hurt to the One who cares, heals, and restores.
Christian Communications 2016
EDL: facebook.com/everydaylife.allenrandolph