Joy, Hope & Disappointment

Often, I find myself being disappointed. Disappointed that things didn’t go my way. Disappointed that people don't act the way I hoped they would. Disappointed in the things happening in the world around me. Jesus hasn’t come back yet, so disappointment is guaranteed to be felt. However, the Lord has taught me some things about disappointment. I’ve learned that even where there is deep disappointment, there can be immeasurable joy if we place our hope in Him. I can be disappointed I didn’t get what I wanted, but also find great joy in the fact that God’s will is being done. I can be disappointed that our world is filled with evil, but find great joy in knowing the Savior who is the Light of the world. I can be disappointed when people hurt me, but find great joy in the fact that my Father has never and will never let me down. Friends, this world can only disappoint. It is only because of Jesus that we can have lasting joy. 

God says to us in Isaiah 55:8-9, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” 

I have no idea why certain things happen and others don’t, but that’s why I’m not in control. It’s why you aren’t either. There are some things we don’t get to know. There are some things we may never understand on this side of heaven. However, we get to place our hope in the one who knows and sees all. We also get to make a choice. We can choose to be overtaken and consumed by disappointment and confusion, or we can choose to press into Jesus and let His Holy Spirit fill us with all hope and joy. 

Romans 15:13 says, “May the God of all hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” 

That is what we have access to in Christ Jesus, and disappointment is no match against that. Disappointment is a tactic the enemy uses to steal, kill, and destroy the joy that Christ has given. The question is: will we let him win? I encourage you to survey your life and ask the Lord to show you where you’ve let disappointment stomp out the joy living inside of you. Seek after Him with all your heart and let Him align your thoughts with His. There is joy to be found in Jesus, and it will make disappointment seem smaller than ever before.