How To Deal With Disappointment

“Do not consider your maidservant a wicked woman, for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief I have spoken until now. Then Eli answered and said, “Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition which you have asked of Him.” 1 Samuel 1: 16-17 NKJV

Often times, it can be difficult to express our true feelings in prayer. There may be an unconscious belief that God cannot handle our raw emotions, or that one must censor self at the foot of The Cross. Where did we learn this? And, how has it become so common? Throughout the Bible, we see that the people of God poured out their hearts, and grievances to The Lord. They expressed their failures, sins, disappointments, weaknesses, and desires snotty nosed and all.

“The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.” Provb. 18:10

“Trust in Him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before Him: God is a refuge for us.” Ps 62:8

“Cast your burden on the LORD, And He shall sustain you; He shall never merit the righteous to be moved.” Ps. 55:22

“Call upon Me in the day of trouble, I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.” Ps. 50:15

How To Deal With Disappointment

The posture of dealing with disappointment lies at the foot of The Cross in agonizing prayer. Emptying our hearts and minds in honest conversation with The Lord. Sitting with Him, allowing Him, in time, to do what only He can do. The story of Hannah touched my heart today and showed me how God appreciates vulnerability. The act of uncensored honesty, in expressing both disappointment and desire.

Hannah wanted a child, and her womb was closed by The Lord. And at some point in her journey, she found “the key,” prayer. Not any kind of prayer, but honest, agonizing prayer. Hannah “was in bitterness of soul and prayed to the Lord and wept in anguish. Then she made a vow and said, “O Lord of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, and not forget Your maidservant, but will give Your maidservant a male child, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall come upon his head.” 1 Sam. 1:10-11.

Hannah opened her heart and sincerely prayed to the Lord. Not restraining her thoughts or feelings. And as she laid her burdens before the Lord, she verbalized desires that would glorify God not self. Hannah shows us the posture of prayer and how we should freely pour out ourselves before the Lord, withholding nothing. “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30