“Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God.”   ~Psalm 42:11

The definition of disappointment is sadness or displeasure caused by the non-fulfillment of one's hopes or expectations. So, it seems that the answer is actually in the title question. We must accept that God is in control and is fulfilling His plan by dashing ours. That’s a tough one—a really hard thing to just grin and bear. But the simple fact of the matter is what other choice do we have?

If we are truly trusting God—holding tightly to His infallible word—we must accept what He is doing. Knowing all of His promises is the catalyst to this ability. We must not only know but believe every promise in His big book of promises/the Holy Bible.

I always like to start with God’s plan for me when things appear to have gone wrong—when my hopes and expectations have crashed and burned—my dreams have been smashed into a million pieces.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”   ~Jeremiah 29:11

So, according to His promise in Jeremiah, I must trust that something really good is coming out of what is seemingly a devastating disappointment!

“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.”   ~Romans 8:28

Well then, according to this promise, Paul is stating if we trust God, if we believe His promises, we don’t question or worry when things go differently from what we expected. We have confidence in God's word and know that He is for us, not against us—that He is working things out for our good.

The first verse says God knows the plans…then the next verse says we must know that He's got it all under control. The only thing we need to do is, love God and accept His purpose for our lives, and He will do everything else.

I have had a habit of planning out every aspect of my life, everything from getting married, having kids, working my jobs, deciding when and where to move, and on an on. Let’s see, my choice on the marital partner didn’t work out so good, my choice of jobs also flopped, as well as my choices in when and where to move.

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” ~Matthew 11:28-30

I am finally learning that I can plan all I want, but the likelihood of my plans working out very well are extremely slim. I must become willing to surrender my will and all that goes with that for His perfect plan, and in so doing I am released from the burden of all of these decisions—decisions that usually never turn out like I planned anyway. And, to be perfectly honest with you, I’m exhausted from trying to steer the course of my life through a minefield of never-ending obstacles.

It might sound crazy to suggest that we release all our decisions up to an invisible God, but that’s exactly what He’s asking us to do. If we trust Him and believe His word, we must start acting like it. If we can just surrender our stubborn, self-serving will and associated plans up for His purpose, life might get a whole lot easier.

God knows what He’s doing. He never has to ponder as to what is best for us. His sole purpose is to help us and lead us back to His intended plan, His pure perfect plan for each and every one of us. And that purpose, my friends, is to spend eternity with Him.

I am finally accepting His plan and His timing for my life. I am finally willing to cry a little, kick and fuss a bit, and move forward into whatever He is doing in my life even if that means feeling the pangs of grief and disappointment.

I have only two options, I am either going to release the delusion that I have control over things and surrender to God’s plan for my life, or continue trying to force fate and just keep feeling disappointed when God doesn’t allow me to go the wrong way, the way that would lead to my eternal demise.

Even when everything appears to be going wrong, even when God doesn’t do what I want Him to do, even when it seems that my entire world is falling apart . . . I will trust in Him. He will always fix my situation and deliver me out of my troubles if I but ask. Even when I’m frustrated from trying on my own—crying out to Him in complete and utter dismay, He still rescues me.

“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.”   ~Psalm 34:17 & 19

This song says it all…“I will trust in you!” It’s become one of my favorites and I listen to it all the time because I need the reassurance it gives me. I need to be reminded that even when He doesn’t move the mountains I’m asking Him to move, I will still trust in Him. I absolutely believe His promises and I know He will guide me into His perfect will.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”   ~Proverbs 3:5-6​

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