What to Do if You Are Disappointed with God?နမူနာ

From Disappointment to Joy

“They said to each other, ‘Did not our hearts burn within us while He talked to us on the road, while He opened to us the Scriptures?’” (Luke 24:32)

Jesus had not been complimentary about His disciples. He had called them “foolish”. But these two took the opportunity to learn from His knowledge of the Scriptures. Their shattered illusions were replaced by a new understanding of the truth. Jesus led them from their disappointment to new heights of joy. Looking back, they wondered: “How exciting it was when He explained to us the true meaning of the Scriptures!” (As translated by the Easy-to-Read Version).

When our hopes don’t come true, it is so easy to blame God, turn our backs on Him, and cling to our disappointment. However, it is much more helpful to question our own expectations and delve deeper in the Bible to let our disillusioned minds be illuminated by the Lord. Then our hearts can start burning within us again, instead of growing cold and hard. It’s often helpful to study the Bible together with fellow believers. We can use study Bibles or other materials to help us, but most of all we should pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. You can take Psalm 119 as an example here: “O Lord ... Teach me your statues … Give me understanding … Let your steadfast love comfort me”.

Are you willing to receive teaching and correction? How does that take shape in your life?