Disappointment
Despite initial disappointment, I expressed gratitude. I knew that, despite my disappointment, 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 I 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
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 disappointments 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 the receiver.
The giver has free will to recant on a promise. You may not know the emotional or financial turmoil that may 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, the way to deal with disappointments is to 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. (Philippians 4:19)
The Lord rewards those who diligently seek him, and without faith it is impossible to please Him. Therefore, when you look down on your disappointments you are self-centred instead of God-centred. When you trust Him for all your needs, He will 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 deal with disappointment is to turn off negative, hurtful thoughts. This is really not as hard as it seems. It takes practice and diligence to replace them with God thoughts.
Five Keys
Five keys to deal with disappointments are:
1. Recognize the author of the negative thoughts as the father of lies
2. Stop thinking and speaking painful 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. Remember; whatever you think of, you give power to!
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, and how He is going to use the disappointments to draw you closer to Him
5. Quote God’s Promises out loud over your situation, like: “My God shall supply all my needs…” Write them down, and post them everywhere you can see them.
Believe me, it works! Nothing is worth the loss of your joy and peace!
Bio
Ann writes inspirational articles that send readers to Jesus.
Author of With Wings As Eagles, a testimony of living a life of abundance and miracles.
Ann’s articles first appeared on Christian Article Bank (No longer active) in May of 2006.
