I recently had to teach this topic for the youth girls’ class and thought how important it was for us to life-proof our kids with Christian life jackets so that when they hit adulthood, they would be prepared for the swim ahead. Life is a journey filled with ups and downs, and disappointments are an inevitable part of that journey. Whether it's broken relationships, missed opportunities, or unmet expectations like grades in our typical Singaporean society, disappointments can shake our faith and test our resilience. In these moments, having a Christian life-jacket can provide comfort, guidance, and strength to navigate the stormy waters of disappointment. Here are 5 points that are probably cliché to many of us but still inadvertently a useful reminder in times of need.
1. Embrace the Power of Prayer
In the face of disappointment, prayer is a powerful tool for Christians. It offers a direct line of communication with God, allowing us to pour out our hearts, express our frustrations, and seek His guidance. The Bible encourages us to “(Cast) all your care upon him; for he cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7). Through prayer, we can find solace and wisdom to understand and accept disappointment. However, if we only count on prayer, it's akin to having a monologue with God without any reply. For a proper dialogue, and a meaningful conversation, we will need to follow point number 2 below as well.
2. Seek Wisdom from Scripture
The Bible is a rich source of wisdom and comfort during times of disappointment. Reading and meditating on verses like Romans 8:28, which states, "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.", can help us gain perspective and strength. The Bible offers countless stories of individuals who faced disappointments but ultimately found redemption and purpose through their faith. Elijah and Peter are some examples that come to mind. Elijah, who was facing disappointment from his people and on the verge of giving up his will to live, turned to God and let Him handle his problems. Peter who was bitterly disappointed in his own actions of denying Jesus and yet turned that test of faith into pure conviction and action later on and became a great evangelist.
3. Trust in God's Plan
One of the foundational principles of Christianity is to trust in God's plan. Even when things do not go our way, we can find peace in knowing that God has a purpose for every situation. Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us, "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." Understanding that disappointments may be part of God's greater plan can provide us with a sense of purpose and hope.
4. Lean on Your Spiritual Family
The Christian faith is not meant to be practiced in isolation. Your spiritual family—whether it's your church, small group, or close Christian friends—can be a source of support and encouragement during times of disappointment. Share your struggles with trusted members of your community and allow them to pray for and with you. Their collective faith can help bolster your own, reminding you that you are not alone in your journey. Galatians 6:2 reminds us to “bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.”
5. Practise Gratitude
Gratitude is a powerful antidote to disappointment. Even in the midst of trials, there are often blessings to be found. As Christians, we can give thanks for the gift of faith, the love of God, and the hope of salvation. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.".
To sum it all up, disappointments are a natural part of life, but as Christians, we have the tools and resources to navigate them with faith and resilience. Through prayer, seeking the wisdom of Scripture, trusting in God's plan, leaning on the support of our spiritual family, practising gratitude, we can find comfort and strength when we put on this Christian life jacket in the face of disappointment. Remember that disappointments are not the end of the road but rather an opportunity for growth, spiritual deepening, and a stronger connection with God. As Romans 8:18 reminds us, "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."