When God Does Not Do What We Want
“When am deeply discouraged, but I will remember You.” Psalm 42:6
It can be disappointing when God doesn’t do what we want. It is not easy, never has been and it never will be easy.
Faith is the conviction that God knows more than us, and He loves us absolutely.
Disappointment is caused by unmet expectations, and it can be cured by revamped expectations. You don’t need to panic or give up. You only need to be patient knowing God is in control. For it’s not over until it’s over.
So, when you’re disappointed:
1. Look inward. David asked, ‘Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad?’ Psalm 42:5. Admit how you feel. You can’t deal with what you don’t acknowledge. Ask God to show you the root of the problem. Is it pent-up anger? Envy? Unforgiveness? Pride? Lust? Physical and mental fatigue? Be open to what He reveals.
2. Look upward. David said, ‘I will put my hope in God! I will praise Him.’ Psalm 42:5. Instead of focusing on your discouragement, focus on the One who knows the way out.
3. Remember God’s past faithfulness. David said, ‘I am deeply discouraged, but I will remember You.’ Through every trial, Joseph clung to the assurance that God still controlled his destiny. Recalling God’s faithfulness builds your confidence that He will come through.
4. Remember, you don’t have to understand. Just because you can’t figure out what God is doing right now, doesn’t mean it won’t make sense later. He ‘causes all things to work together for good to those who love [Him].’ Romans 8:28.
5. Don’t give in to bitterness. When what you hope for is not granted, resentment can set in. ‘If God is for us, who can be against us?’ Romans 8:31. Regardless of how deep the pit may seem, God is on your side.