A Prayer for Delight on Disappointing Days
By Keri Eichberger
Bible Reading:
He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me. (Psalm 18:19)
Listen or Read Below:
I’ve faced my fair share of disappointments. Some are much greater than others. And a mild case is yanking on my heartstrings in this very season. It might not make sense to you, and honestly, that’s true for many of the things that personally drag each of us down. Everyone certainly feels everything differently for a variety of very personal reasons. For me, I’ve been pretty let down ever since I got word that my husband would be returning to the office after working from home in the same room for five sweet years. In-home work setups can be a little lonely at times. But Mike’s company has not only been a gift of friendship and companionship, but it has also breathed fresh life into our marriage. And if I’m being brutally honest, I have a whole wide web of worries and woes over his upcoming absence. Cares and concerns that have stolen some delight from my recent days. Adding increased swells of disappointment. And although this example sits on the small side of the scale of disappointment, the truth is that I’ve definitely dealt with much greater difficulties and moments of despair. What’s also true is that as much as I’d like to hope all my dark days are over, I know that’s not what God promised. He warned us of troubles of all kinds in this life, which reminds me that I will no doubt face much, much more. We all will.
You’re well acquainted with disappointment, aren’t you? You may have even once wondered if you did something to deserve the difficulties you face. But whether you’ve suffered more struggle than you ever imagined, are living through it now, or just know it’s coming, you’ve been brought down by disappointment. And, I would imagine the moments and seasons have threatened to knock the breeze of joy from your sails and the breath of delight from your soul, too. I’d also be willing to bet you would really prefer to maintain a hopeful outlook through the hardships. And desire the ability to focus more on the good, you know God never stops giving. Always noticing his blessings that continually flow through all circumstances. A mindset of truth and hope.
The encouraging truth we could all benefit from remembering in moments of disappointment is this: Not only is our disappointment not a result of God’s disappointment in us, but it isn’t at all a surprise to him. Psalm 18:19 says, He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me. God purposefully brought you to the exact space you’re in. In his love and delight, in fact. Through your current conditions, God has been constantly protecting you from things that you can’t even see. He is offering you rescue and refuge right in the middle of this very journey. And he has been graciously guiding you through and to his good provision. All of this in him and through him, because he delights in you and me. And he will continue to delight in us. But our loving Lord longs for us to find our delight in him in return—no matter where we find ourselves—understanding that regardless of what seems wrong, he is always keeping us in the perfect line of his good and perfect will.
You and I have felt many stings of disappointment. And though we have our reasons for feeling hurt, sad, or low-spirited by the let-downs of life, God delights in you and me—still and always. Our sorrow or dissatisfaction offers a sufficient space for refuge—still and always. You can take hold of his hand, trusting that he has you in a place where peace is still present and his blessings are still boundless. You can find delight in his presence, and you can find delight in and through your disappointments, because our God knows he has you on his path, and our God will lead you to an even more delightful future perfectly planned by him. Our good and perfect friend, master, and creator.
Let’s Pray:
Lord God, You delight in me and I in you. And though my life falls upon continual waves of disappointment, I know your love and delight in me never wavers. No matter what comes my way or the setbacks I face, you will never let me fall from your perfect plan. Help me remember that you are not surprised by a thing, and you are present through it all.
You graciously offer a spacious place of refuge and rescue, constantly. Your presence and peace enfold me, always. And your blessings surround me, continually. Lord, I trust you, and I delight in your love, protection, and perfection all the days of my life.
In Your delightful Name, Amen.
If you liked what you read, I think you will love my latest book, Win Over Worry: Conquer What Shakes You and Soar With the One Who Overcomes. You can find it on Amazon or your favorite online retail site. I hope it blesses you!
Share your reflections on today’s devotional in the Your Daily Prayer discussion on the Crosswalk Forum.
Photo Credit: © Unsplash/Jude Beck
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