“Whatsoever the LORD pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places. ” Psalm 135:6
Much of our misery comes from unrealistic expectations. We could spare ourselves a lot of pain and needless suffering if we learned to avoid that. Years ago I read a letter by John Newton that I keep in my files to this day as a reminder. He wrote it to his 13 year old adopted daughter who was attending school away from home. it is too long for this article but I’ll give you a brief account. I pray it will help someone deal with their disappointments in a better way. He wrote:
My dear Betsy,
How vain are all things here below!—Indeed, it is not amiss that you should now and then meet with a hindrance—that you may learn—not to count too much on what tomorrow may do for you—and that you may begin to feel the impossibility of being happy—contrary to our wishes and expectations. When such disappointments happen—most people fret and fume! They are angry and impatient! But others, who are in the Lord’s school, and desirous of being taught by Him—get benefit by these things, and sometimes find more pleasure in yielding to His appointments, though contrary to their own wills—than they would have done, if all had happened just as they had desired!—
It may now seem a small matter to you and I, whether you came home last Sunday—or are to come home next Sunday. But we know not what different consequences may depend upon the day—we know not what hidden danger you might have escaped by staying at school last Sunday. The Lord knows all things! He foresees every possible consequence! Often what we call disappointments, are really mercies from Him to save us from harm!
If I could teach you a lesson,—I would teach you a way to be never disappointed. This would be the case—if you could always form a right judgment of this world, and all things in it. If you go to a bramble-bush to look for grapes—you must be disappointed; but then you are old enough to know that grapes never grow upon brambles. So, if you expect much pleasure here in this world—you will not find it. But you ought not to say you are disappointed, because the Scripture plainly warned you beforehand, to look for crosses, trials and hindrances, every day. If you expect such things—you will not be disappointed when they happen! ( see Job 1:20-21 )
When you can’t change or control your circumstances, remember that God either appointed them or allowed them, and plans to use them for some good!–HDS
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346
