Are You Disappointed?
J. Allen Blair
Are you disappointed-maybe in love or possibly a failure of some kind? Don't give up! That is the easiest thing in the world to do, but it is certainly the wrong approach. You have not come to the end of things. If you really want it, the best is yet to come.
While David the Psalm writer was in the midst of circumstances that seemed to present only the deepest gloom, he cried out, I have set the Lord always before me: because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved (Psalm 16:8). These words contain a message for each of us. When David said I have set the Lord always before me, he meant that God was his unfailing strength. With unreserved reliance, David rested in the fact that God was with him and He would never leave him. Thus, there was no reason for him to become disturbed and distraught. If you know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord, this same, unshakable confidence should be yours.
In John 10:27 the Lord Jesus declares, and I know them, and they follow me. Here is a beautiful picture of reliance. When we belong to God through Christ, He knows us. What do I mean, He knows us? He knows every difficulty, every problem, every heartache-in fact, every need of your life and mine. The knowledge God has of us is more than an awareness of our circumstances. It is knowledge that results in help. It really means, since He knows His own, He will care for them. With this in mind, we follow Him, which means we lean upon Him without fear or reservation of any kind.
We need to be reminded over and over again that our God is a mighty God with no limits whatsoever. This is hard for us to fathom because we are so human and we are prone to interpret things from the human viewpoint. We must look away from our circumstances and look to Jesus Christ our Redeemer.
So often we fix our eyes upon the obstacles that seem to be in our way and, as the result, we take our eyes off the Lord. What is an obstacle? It is something that blocks vision when you take your eyes off your goal. What should be the believer's goal? Paul expressed it well in Philippians 1:21, For to me to live is Christ. When we look to things and people, what happens? We stagger in unbelief. We become discouraged, depressed, and disappointed, which reveals the fact of our unbelief.
Some years ago, while ministering the Word at the Winona Lake Bible Conference in Indiana, God spoke to my heart through an experience related by one of the other speakers. During the Second World War, he had been overseas for several years before the war ended. The time finally arrived for him to go home. He flew to the west coast and waited a day and a half before he was assigned to a flight to his hometown.
Shortly before the plane left, he was replaced by another soldier and two pieces of cargo. You can imagine how disappointed he was after being away from home for years, and now he was delayed even longer. Three hours later, he boarded another plane, which took off and later landed in Kansas City. As he left the plane and walked toward the airport, he noticed that there was unusual activity all around. Huge spotlights were focused into the skies. He inquired as to all the commotion and was told that they were searching for a plane that did not arrive. And what plane was it? It was the one from which he had been removed. That plane never did arrive, but crashed with its passengers and cargo in the Rocky Mountains. For a brief time, that which appeared to be a disappointment was not a disappointment, but rather God's appointment.
When these things happen to us, God's people, what do we do? We get upset and sometimes we even get angry, when all the time God is caring for our needs. What we interpret as a burden is often a blessing in disguise. We cannot see the entire picture, but God can. We see only one side, and usually the poorer side at that.
But now, let's get to the crux of the matter. Why is it that we react like we do? The answer is very simple. The reason we trust God so little could be because our knowledge of Him is too shallow. I have heard it said of some people, the better they are known the less they are trusted. Isn't it true? The more we get to know some people, the less we can trust them. We have good reasons for this. The opposite should be true with God. The better we get to know Him, the more we should trust Him. The reason most of us worry and fret, instead of trusting in the Lord, is because our relationship to Him is so casual that we look to ourselves rather than to Him. Every new discovery we make of the Lord and His power should provide a greater foundation for more confidence in Him.
David declared in Psalm 9:10, They that know thy name will put their trust in thee. The key word in this verse is know. It means full commitment to God's control. They that know thy name will put their trust in thee. This is what Paul desired above all else when he said in Philippians 3:10 That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection. Those who are fully committed to Christ's control in this manner will not be disturbed by so-called disappointments. They will be able to weather the storms of life with the blessed assurance that in Christ, everything we face is of His appointment and, somehow, there is always a way with Him. Instead of being depressed by the storm clouds, we shall see the sunshine, and will rejoice with the Psalmist saying, Bless the Lord O my soul, and all that is within me. Bless His holy name...and forget not all his benefits (Psalm 103:1,2).
Do you sense that you may have a spiritual need in your life? Talk it over with the Lord. Tell God you want Him to be the Master of all. Tell Him you will trust Him. Ask Him for faith to believe, and then walk by faith and not by sight. Trust Him for everything because He never fails.
And if you have never accepted Christ into your life, here is Good News for you. Christ loves you. He wants to enter your life and give you the peace you need so greatly at this moment. Just simply tell God you are sorry for your sins, thank Him for sending His Son to die on the cross to cleanse you from sin, and then ask Christ to save you and give you everlasting life. And be sure, He will.
Repent, Believe, Confess
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).
For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation (Romans 10:10).
Compare Your Profile
Initially, Dr. Blair titled one of his books, Profile of a Christian. For the last printing, the publisher suggested a title change.
Living Consistently is the title. We invite you to write and request a free copy of this book to use for self-testing. Do U measure up?
(One book per household-USA address required-offer good for October 2009 Only.)
How I Feel
Have you ever felt that way? Perhaps you feel that way right now. If so, we've got some good news for you-Someone Cares! And, that's the message in print, free to you when you write or call this month.
It is true, we do not accept phone orders that involve payments, but you can phone for a free copy of this message: Someone Cares.
Calendar Alert!
Due to changes in technology, demand, cost of production, and the availability of a variety of calendar formats, we are no longer producing the Scripture Planner Calendar. Our sincere thanks to those who have used the calendar personally and for gifts over the last two decades!
Daily Bible Reading
Gary M. Janes
It is checkup time! For years, reading through the Bible in a year has been my habit. This last time through, I've taken more time. Now, after 18 months, I'm stuck in Revelation! Not really stuck, but going very slowly. This book scares some folks, but I am finding it exciting! There is much I don't understand, but when I read about God's righteousness revealed, and about justice winning, I'm encouraged! Read it!
Gadgets and Bibles
The latest TV, cell phone, smart phone, hand held computer-and the list goes on; all of these rapidly go out of date and we need a new one or a software update at regular intervals with maintenance contracts (highly recommended).
In contrast, the Bible rarely needs a new cover (due to lack of use!), never needs a content update, and no maintenance is needed to keep it working. It always works. Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth forever (Psalm 119:160).