Disappointments
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NIV)
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18 (NIV)
For as much joy, beauty, and delight that took place over the past twelve months, there are places where we felt the sting that comes from spending our days living in a broken world. The echoes of the past year linger, leaving us with wounds—some visible, some hidden. There are those of us that 2023 served as a year marked by loss, adversity, suffering, and disappointment. In some way, these disappointments can feel like a death; something died within us - a dream, relationship, circumstance, etc.
Rather than living in denial, we must acknowledge the reality of our pain, and by doing so, we give dignity to it, honoring everything that happened this year. Grief and loss are inevitable aspects of the human experience, and this season calls for the courage to name our deaths, to recognize what was lost within or around us. Yet, the key is not to dwell in the pain but to process it—to grieve what we've lost and adjust to the new reality. By making a conscious effort to navigate the depths of our emotions, we engage in a delicate dance—acknowledging the pain, grieving it, and then letting it ascend.
In this journey, we discover that by confronting disappointments, we open them up to transformation. The wounds become a source of purpose, meaning, and renewal.
This process invites us to approach God with vulnerability and authenticity, pouring out our hearts before Him in prayer. In the face of shattered expectations and wounded hearts, we are invited to sit with the discomfort, to acknowledge the ache, and to seek solace in God’s presence and the unchanging character of God.
As we release the old, we make space for the new. The pain becomes a gift, a catalyst for growth and transformation. This season of processing and releasing is a profound opportunity to let go, to bless what was, and to welcome what will be. In embracing the fullness of our experiences, we find purpose and meaning even amid the pain.
Take a moment to embrace healing and find purpose in the wake of a challenging year by reflecting on the following questions:
What are three things you’ve had to grieve (or should grieve) over the past year? How can you bring dignity to the disappointment, pain, and loss you experienced?
How has the tension between disappointment and hope played out in your own life as a follower of Jesus Christ? In what ways did you wrestle with believing that God works everything out for good?
Can you see any examples of God’s closeness in these difficult moments?
After reflecting on the above questions, write out a prayer of lament where you bring the hurt, pain, and loss to God, as you seek to lean on God’s presence, purpose, and provision for what’s to come.
Did someone you know make a positive impact in your life during the midst of a difficult season? Take a moment to write them a letter, make a phone call, or send a text message expressing your gratitude for the love, care, and concern they provided you this year.