Sulking in Disappointment

Some days I don’t feel like getting up out of bed and rejoicing before the Lord. Instead, I feel like hiding out in the darkness and sulking about every disappointment I’ve had in life.

Instead of doing my morning devotions, I simply want to camp out under the covers, stewing about how things haven’t gone my way.

Perhaps I feel abandoned by God. Or maybe I am upset about another hard lesson learned through my disobedience.

In any case, my own self-pity can steal my faith and joy. It takes me far from the truth that in all things God works for the good of those who love him (Romans 8:28).

Rising Up in the Promises of God

In the past, pulling myself up from such a place of sadness or disappointment was quite challenging.

However, God, in his great faithfulness, has proven to me over the years that no matter what I am feeling or experiencing, I can rise up confidently in the truth of his great promise to me in Romans 8:28. 

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 Click To Tweet

I can find strength and peace in knowing that his plans are the right ones.  I can be confident that they are always what is best for me.

Most importantly, I know his plans will lead to the glory of his name and the advancement of his kingdom on this earth.

Any discouragement I may feel about my own perceived failures is not from the Lord. Most certainly, it doesn’t change my value in God’s eyes. For his love for me stands steadfast and true, and no one can take that away.

Embracing God’s Unconditional Love for Me

Realizing and embracing God’s unconditional love for me has perhaps been the greatest awakening I have ever experienced.

Knowing that there is nothing I can do to lose God’s love has set me in a place of such safety.

A place where I am free to serve him unashamedly with my whole heart.

A place where I can set every disappointment aside.

Once I started erasing the distorted picture I had of God frowning down upon me from heaven, my heart began to embrace the fact that he loves me and is working for my good.

I cannot always see his plans or understand what he is doing. But God has allowed me to catch glimpses of his awesome sovereignty, and I can sense his amazing plans. 

He has chosen me–and all those who love him–to help fulfill his plans. And this makes me love him even more.

Waking Up in Praise

So on those mornings when I would rather hide away under the covers, I choose to get up anyway.

When I have complaints in my heart instead of thankfulness, I make a determined effort to recite all of my blessings to the Lord.

And those days when disappointment creeps in and I can’t sing praise to God, I still turn on my worship music and let the lyrics speak to my heart.

Without fail, God is faithful to bring forth the peace that I thought had eluded me. He restores the joy of my salvation and reminds me there is always praise to be found there!

Above all, I have learned that I can trust the Lord.

Even when I can only see darkness around me, I know God is waiting to break forth in glorious light to show his goodness and faithfulness in my life.

I have loved you with an everlasting love;
    I have drawn you with unfailing kindness. Jeremiah 31:3

I trust in the steadfast love of God
    forever and ever. Psalm 52:8

For your unfailing love is as high as the heavens. Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds. Psalm 57:10