This past weekend, I found out that I got turned down for a job that I applied for.  It’s the only job I can remember getting turned down for that I really tried hard to get.  It was a job that I really wanted.  I truly am disappointed.

And this disappointment is a gift from God.

Anytime we have any hopes that are crushed, no matter how large or how small, we have an opportunity to remember the one hope that will never be crushed.  We have opportunity to look with new eyes at the temporary ups and downs that bring us fading delight and temporary distress in this world, and turn our gaze with a new faith filled hope to the one that brings us ultimate delight. 

Our joy will be made full when we receive a body that can endure the emmensity of His awesome glory, and we can enjoy His presence in a way we cannot currently even conceive of.  This is our hope that will not be crushed.

Disappointment is a gift from God, because in times of disappointment we can often see most clearly.  We are in danger when our greatest daily hope or delight is found in something that will fade, something temporary.  “What is seen is temporary, what is unseen is eternal”.  Lord, help me to hope in what cannot be presently seen.

God, thank you for disappointment.  Thank you for directing me to delight in You, the giver of of life.