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?

Matthew 6:27 NIV

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.

Philippians 4:6 NIRV

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.

Psalm 62:5 CEV

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.

Fear Fighting
by Kelly Balarie

and

Designed to Pray
by Kelly O’Dell Stanley

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]

Linking up with: #Heart Encouragement, #GraceMoments, Thankful & Grateful Thursday, #ChasingCommunity, #FaithonFire, Faith ‘n Friends, Grace & Truth, #FreshMarketFriday, Spiritual Sundays, #DreamTogether, Moments of Hope, #glimpsesofHisbeauty, #RaRaLinkup, #TellHisStory, #RechargeWednesday, Coffee for Your Heart, #porchstories