Scripture
Our verse for today comes from Romans 5:5, “Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”
Background
Disappointment is a double-edge sword, isn’t it? It’s hard to say whether it’s worse to be disappointed by another or to disappoint someone else. And disappointment doesn’t just exist on its own, an island amidst the sea of other emotions. No, it brings with it long-lasting effects in the form of things like shame and guilt. And once those are untapped, the fallout and debris can last a lifetime. So, what do we do? How do we avoid disappointment and the tar pit that hides behind it? Is the answer to expect nothing from anything, to have no hopes or aspirations? Do we also manage our life in such a way that our chief end is to live up to the expectations of everyone around us? Do we strive with all effort to never fall short? Neither option seems to offer much in the way of joy and contentment.
Application
So, isn’t it a delight that what we have from God is void of all traces of disappointment? Nothing from Him brings a hint of shame or guilt. And it’s all because His way is based on His love. And that’s not just some sweet emotion that comes and goes. Rather, it’s a gift offering He made to and for us, pouring it out of His bottomless heart and into ours, which was cracked and broken before He gave us a new one, one that was made to receive what He poured. So, we obey, not to avoid disappointing, but because we have His love and nature within us, and it longs to please Him. And when we fail, we do not look up into a fallen face, drooping from unfulfilled plans for us. Instead, He offers forgiveness and acceptance even though we know we deserve much worse.
I pray shame and guilt have not clasped onto you. They have no place in a redeemed life, just like unconfessed sin. So in place of disappointment, let peace and grace have their way. Through faith in Christ, that is the promised abode of His followers, rejoicing in the hope of God’s glory. Viewing everything through those eyes, nothing can disappoint.
Charge
As we seek Him today, say goodbye to the disappointments that bring you down, and experience the love that God has poured into your heart.
Author – Rich Holt | BCWorldview.org
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