Have you ever been disappointed about the outcome of something that you had anticipated with joy? That happened to me yesterday. Once you are expecting a sure thing that had been promised, and it falls far from the mark, disappointment can enter the heart.
Despite initial disappointment, I expressed gratitude. It was a total act of kindness on the part of the giver that had come from the heart.
In the wee hours of the morning, however, emotionally charged negative thoughts have a tendency to bombard the barely conscious mind. I was practically in tears by the time I got up. Then, suddenly, as soon as I meditated on the Word, I heard: Where is your focus? You can choose to put your eyes either on the Giver or on the giver! Wow! Instantly my focus shifted and thanked God.
You know that it is more blessed to give than to receive, and to be thankful for all things. But, when negative thoughts are allowed to rule your mind, they have the power to eventually lead to resentment, depression and unforgiveness.
Beware of the enemy of your soul! He comes to steal, kill and destroy. He aims to rob you of your joy, gratitude and peace. Be wise to his tactics! He will always focus on the negatives in your life and manipulate your feelings.
The Word, on the other hand, says that God looks at the hearts of both the giver and receiver.
The giver has free will to recant on a promise. You may not know the emotional or financial turmoil that my have precipitated the change of heart. As well, the Lord may use a disappointment as a test of character for you. “For unto whom much is given, of him shall be much required.” (Luke 12: 48)
Therefore, do not put your focus on your needs or how others treat you. Instead, keep your heart filled with gratitude and thanksgiving toward Him, and He will supply all your needs, according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4: 19)
The Lord rewards those who diligently seek him, and without faith it is impossible to please Him. Therefore, by looking down on your circumstances you are self-centred instead of trusting God to bless you beyond what you can ask or think.
Disappointments will always be part of life. How you react to them determines your faith to rely on God for all your needs.
The way to combat disappointment is to turn off negative, hurtful self-destructive thoughts. This is really not as hard as it seems. It takes practice and diligence to replace them with God thoughts.
The five key elements to turn your disappointments into triumphs are:
1. Recognize the author of the negative thoughts as the father of lies
2. Stop thinking and speaking hurtful thoughts over yourself. They have the power to rob you of your peace, health and … most of all, your close personal relationship with your Lord
3. Start praising the Lord. This is your most efficient weapon. It causes the devil to flee, your heart to sing, and your gaze to look upward. Praise Him for His goodness and just because of Who He is!
4. Give thanks with a grateful heart for all the benefits He has already given you, not the least of which is your salvation.
5. Quote God’s Promises out loud over your situation, write some of them down and post them everywhere you can see them.
Believe me, it works! Nothing is worth the loss of your joy and peace!
