Disappointment and Perspective


Some days, right?

One day last week started as expected. It was going well, but took a turn I wasn’t expecting. I probably should have anticipated it, but I didn’t and it led to disappointment. Disappointment I struggled with.

I felt let down and frustrated. It’s something out of my control and I don’t like that. I want to see change, but it’s not going to happen when or how I’d like. I went through a range of emotions—anger, sadness, and feeling overwhelmed.

Then, I decided I had to stop thinking about it and just focus on right now because worrying about tomorrow was keeping me from appreciating today. {Tweet this}

Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?

Disappointment in life is inevitable, and sometimes it takes time to bounce back. But when it leads to discouragement and worry, then we need to make the decision not to go down that path.

Worry doesn’t solve anything; it makes things worse.

Don’t worry about anything. No matter what happens, tell God about everything. Ask and pray, and give thanks to him.

Worry makes us miss what we have today. It pulls our attention away from trust and thankfulness.

I decided to take a step back and not think about tomorrow and what’s out of my control. Instead, I reminded myself of what God has been doing and how He’s taken care of us.

I focused on what is happening instead of what’s not happening, and it changed my perspective.

Sometimes God will calm the storm around me. Other times He quiets the storm within me. {Tweet this}

Only God gives inward peace, and I depend on him.

That’s what He did last week. Nothing in the situation changed, but He eased the upset that was taking me over, and enabled me to see it from a different viewpoint.

That day’s disappointment wasn’t the end of what I was hoping for, but a reminder to keep trusting Him in every single part of my life, regardless of setbacks, or when I misread a situation.

*****

It’s time for a giveaway!

I have two books which I’ve reviewed in past months to share. Click on each title for my review and more information on the book.


and


There are three ways to enter: (Each one earns an entry.)
-sign up to receive my blog posts by email (in the right side bar)
-follow me on Twitter
-like my Facebook page.

Then, leave a comment letting me know how you followed (or if you already do), which book you’re interested in, and your email address so I can contact you if you win.

Drawing ends on Friday, November 17. (Sorry, only U.S. residents are eligible to win.)

In Christ,
Laura  

[Photo credit: Unsplash.com]


19 comments:

  1. "I reminded myself of what God has been doing and how He’s taken care of us.

    I focused on what is happening instead of what’s not happening, and it changed my perspective."...

    I needed to read that today! I often get upset thinking about what could happen, instead of what is happening. I need to focus on the Lord more and how He cares for me and my loved ones. Thanks for sharing!

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  2. Just because it doesn't look like God is doing anything, doesn't mean that He is inactive. We have to trust that God is working even when all we can see is chaos. It's hard to do in the middle of high anxiety filled situations, but it's helpful to take a break and walk away and allow the Spirit to get our attention. thanks for your thoughts!

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  3. I try to remind myself that God is always at work. Just because it appears that He is not hearing or doing does not mean He is not working on my behalf. He works in His way, His time as He knows best. A good reminder this morning!

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  4. Choosing to focus on right now and on God's faithfulness always makes a difference. God works in ways we don't understand but He always loves.

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  5. Hi, thanks for the great giveaway. I had not liked your Facebook page yet, so I did so. I already subscribe and follow you on Twitter. I love your blog and am so uplifted by your words each week. My address is marykatbpcsc45 @ gmail.com

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  6. Disappointment with God is a real problem, especially when I get my eyes on MY goals and then advise God in how He needs to bring them to pass.

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  7. Understanding His time with answering prayers or in a way that isn't what I was really hoping for is a problem for me. I hope that I keep growing and realize that there is a purpose for all things even if I don't understand them. I follow you via email and Facebook as TallulahJane...email tallulahjane65(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    Replies
    1. Congratulations Tallulah Jane! You're the winner of the book Designed to Pray!

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  8. Worry is what I do. I have been praying about my worries when they come into my mind. There is just too many things that is out of our control. Actually we can't control anything. Love your posts. I follow you on twitter, Facebook, and subscribe to your blog. My email is wisdomnurse@yahoo.com

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  9. Thank you for this I needed it. I follow you on twitter and Facebook. Also subscribe to your blog. Email is wisdomnurse@yahoo.com

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    1. Congratulations Darlene! You're the winner of the book Fear Fighting!

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  10. I've been in that place of utter disappointment where I wasn't looking back at his faithfulness or forward with hope. God is always for our good. I need to remember that.

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  11. "Disappointment in life is inevitable, and sometimes it takes time to bounce back. But when it leads to discouragement and worry, then we need to make the decision not to go down that path." Amen to this!

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  12. Hello! I just followed you on twitter and retweeted about your giveaway. :)

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  13. And, I liked your Facebook page. Can't wait to see your encouragement. Blessings!

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  14. Hi Laura,
    I'm your neighbor at Holley's place today! I can relate to your words about circumstances not changing, despite prayers of petition, but somehow God sets our hearts at peace through changing our focus and perspective. Such good words of encouragement!

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  15. I seem to be in a season (years really) of one disappointment after the other. So much so I have low expectations for everything with a "it's probably not going to happen anyway" attitude.

    Your post helped to redirect my perspective on to the one who holds all my times in His hands.

    Thanks for sharing.

    Blessings

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  16. Hi Laura! This was a great reminder of what it means to trust God with our frustrations. Thank you for sharing at Grace and Truth last week. I would love to feature this post tomorrow at the link up.

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  17. Thank you for this precious encouragement. Such truth in what you share: "Sometimes God will calm the storm around me. Other times He quiets the storm within me." A timely Word for me - not with disappointment, but the encouragement to "remind myself of what God has been doing and how He’s taken care of" me. He is enough. Each day anew.

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Thank you for sharing your thoughts!

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