Disappointed. :: Thursday E-Devotion

Been there. Done that. Far too many times.

Pain. Heart ache. Questions. Focus. You have been there as well.

Yet along the way there are some things that make sense, and a place we have to put our focus.

I don't always understand the path we have to walk or the things we go through, yet through the fog or clouds there is gigantic hope because God has not left His children. There is still that voice deep in my heart and the compassion He has for us and for others that ought to take our pain and exchange it for something better.

"Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, On those who hope for His lovingkindness...Our soul waits for the LORD; He is our help and our shield." Psalms 33:18,20 (NASB)

This chorus by Darrell Evans rang in my head this morning as my mind began to open up ...

"I'm trading my sorrow. I'm trading my shame. I'm laying it down for the joy of the Lord.I'm trading my sickness. I'm trading my pain. I'm laying it down for the joy of the Lord...I'm pressed but not crushed persecuted not abandoned, Struck down but not destroyed.I'm blessed beyond the curse for his promise will endure And his joy's gonna be my strengthThough the sorrow may last for the night, His joy comes with the morning...I'm laying it down for the joy of the Lord."

Make a choice. Let God take your disappointment and use it for His good in your life. Let God take your shame and teach you to stand stronger on Him. Let God take your grief and focus it in a new direction that will remind you of His hope and let others know that our God is big and strong.

"We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ." 2 Corinthians 10:5 (MSG)

Choose. Disappointment or hope.

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