Disappointment Part 2

It is certain that each of us will face some form of disappointment during our lives. Disappointment has a way of finding us as we pass through the transitions of life. But how we respond to those moments will make the difference in our spiritual as well as emotional health. Disappointment can lead to the feelings of discouragement, depression, anger, shame, or even bitterness. When we allow the effects of disappointment to dominate our thought process, we can easily become a negative individual which can put stress on our relationship with others in our lives. Most of us have been around those type of people and we remember that the experience was not a pleasant one. Being negative can put our lives in such a spin that we fail to recognize the blessings of God that are at work in us even during the moments of discouragement. I can look back over my life and reflect on the times that the enemy sought to blind me to the blessings of God. Satan wanted my life to be hindered by the spirit of discouragement and in doing so He would limit my desire to praise and magnify God for all that He was providing for me at that very moment. Disappointment can be turned into an opportunity to learn, grow, and mature. It has been during times of disappointment that I have learned much about the true character of my life. It has been during disappointment that I have learned much about the character of God (His unfailing love for me, His faithfulness to His promises, and His purpose for my life. These are just a few of the valuable character lessons that I have been taught). It is during the moments of disappointment that we learn to appreciate what we have and not focus on what we have missed. All of us take too much for granted; we don't mean to do this but we take our family and friends for granted, we take the blessings of God for granted, and we even take the opportunities of life for granted. Disappointment can lead us to open our eyes to the realities of the blessings of God and understand that even during those difficult times we are walking in the blessings and strength of God. Each of us need to pause for a moment and take inventory of where we could be if the "Lord was not on our side." I am sure that each of us are grateful for all of the blessings that God has placed in our lives. Do not let disappointment cloud your view of the work of God in your life. We will continue to learn more about responding to discouragement in tomorrow's posting. Until that time arrives be blessed and walk in the leading of the Holy Spirit. He will lead us even when we are walking in those moments of disappointment.