and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (Romans 5:5)
Everybody faces disappointment. It is a simple fact of life. If you live you will at some point be disappointed by someone or something.
Disappointment comes in many forms and from many places. They can be small or large. They can come singly or all at once. But come they will, whether we are ready for them or not.
Knowing this, we have two choices. We can choose to live life to the fullest, bravely and boldly and full of love as God intended. Or we can choose to live in such a way that we avoid all possible people and situations that might lead to disappointment in the future.
The thing is, avoidance is not God’s way. God embraces. God encompasses. God gives generously and liberally to all who ask. And so should we.
We need to be out there, in the world, showing God’s love to all and meeting their needs in His name. And if we live in this way then we risk being disappointed when we are rejected and especially when God’s free gift of salvation is rejected.
But thank God, we have a remedy. We must realize our disappointment is temporary. Any disappointment tied to this life will ultimately pass away when God takes us home to be with Him and all things are made new. We have that promise and no temporary defeat or setback in this life can diminish it. God won the victory and while there is much work still to be done, the outcome is assured. One day we will be with Him and there will be no more tears or sorrow, no more suffering or pain. Look forward to heaven, child of God. It will be glorious, indescribable and beyond all expectation.
This is our hope. But it is not only a future hope. It is a hope that lives and makes a difference right now, right here. Like Romans 5:5 says above, our hope does not disappoint (notice the present tense!). It does not disappoint because God’s love has been poured out directly in our hearts and lives through the gift of His Holy Spirit.
His Holy Spirit ministers to us and provides comfort and peace in times of trouble. His Holy Spirit guides us into all truth and directs our steps as we trust in Him fully. If we stumble and fall it is because we are not taking advantage of the wonderful gift that He has given us through His Spirit but even then He stands ready and willing to forgive us and re-establish us if we will confess our sin to Him.
Are you living in disappointment? Is your hope diminished? Have the troubles and cares of this life brought you down? Turn your eyes on Jesus and focus your heart on Him. Confess your failures and disappointment to Him and cast all your cares upon Him. He will never leave or forsake you and your hope is safe with Him. Come and see, Jesus never disappoints.
Yes, it is the choice to love and praise him even when the bottom drops out. I remember on a really hard day after my son died, I had a picture come into my mind of being on a boat in a storm– I sensed Jesus saying, “you don’t need to get out of the boat and walk toward me, I’m coming to you.” With that, he climbed in the boat with me and we sailed the storms of grief together. He is hope! Thanks for your post.