| Read Habakkuk 3:17–19 The prophet Habakkuk states his commitment to rejoice in the Lord and gain strength even when times are difficult and there seems to be no end in sight. Five Important ToolsGod knows when we need to be nurtured and healed, refreshed and sustained. He gives us five important tools for the journey—tools that will help us and equip us to help others as well. - Comfort in the Church. When you're hurting, going home is the best thing to do, and church is the believer's spiritual home.
- Power in Worship and Praise. The beautiful lyrics of the song, "Blessed Be Your Name" by Matt and Beth Redman goes: "Blessed be your name on the road marked with suffering, though there's pain in the offering, blessed be your name." The weight of grief and the burden of feeling alone spill out as we lose ourselves in worship and praise. Peace and confidence in the Lord's love and care pour in. We magnify the Lord instead of our disappointment. We remember his mercies more than our hurt.
- Strength in Choosing the Joy of the Lord. Happiness is based on circumstances, while joy is based on God's love and faithfulness. Happiness is rooted in positive emotions, while joy is something more. It's a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23), something that God divinely gives us through the power of his Holy Spirit. Joy is like a medicine when our hearts are sick and the pain seems unbearable.
- Wisdom of His Word. God's Word is full of his promises to us, and when we read it, we're reminded of them. The psalms, in particular, have helped me through heartache because in them are some of the most pure and honest heart cries ever written. God has a plan and purpose for my life, as he does for each of us, beyond this moment of disappointment. We need not be passively resigned to the problems in life. We need not give up and stop fighting for what we believe in; there is always hope, and as long as there is hope, we can move forward—and bring others with us.
- Love of Family and Friends. A friend will help us move forward through our disappointment and into God's promises. When we can't see anything but the fog of grief, a friend can help clear the way, help us laugh, bring a smile—and like medicine––the mirth helps us heal.
Point to PonderDisappointment is inevitable—for you and everyone else. It's part of life. But God has given you tools to help you move past the disappointments you encounter and on to a joyous and productive future. You aren't alone in your sadness, God has given you something to work with. |
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