Ditch Disappointment

The pandemic and the challenges of 2020 and 2021 have changed the way we see life, play, respect, and love.

We’ve seen family projects on television and YouTube like dominoes and toilet paper tumbling throughout a house. We’ve laughed at dancing and exercising family videos. We’ve sung with live-streamed concerts and worship. We’ve watched golf ball and ping pong challenges, and much more.

Maybe you’re binging on television programs that you never had time for when life was in full-swing.

All this is a way to pass the time when we’re bored or depressed. They don’t fill the gap, do they?

It’s easy to get depressed as the pandemic and all things associated with it continue to drain us, isn’t it?

Disappointment and even depression aren’t new. The Psalmist knew despair and he talked to God about it.

Where are you, God?

Are you wondering where God is? Maybe you’ve lost your job, your health, a family member, a friend, a neighbor. Maybe you’ve lost that “lovin’ feeling” in your marriage.

As a deer pants for flowing streams,
so pants my soul for you, O God.
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When shall I come and appear before God?
My tears have been my food day and night,
while they say to me all the day long,
“Where is your God?” Psalm 42:1-3

Is this the cry of your heart today? Tell God.

God, I long for You to come close to me.
I'm desperate for You.
My tears replace food.
Where are You, God?

Only the Living Water quenches our souls.
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Why are you cast down, O my soul,
and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
my salvation and my God. Psalm 42:5

You know that God is in control, but you’re still depressed. Question your reason for your sadness.

What's going on with you, girl?
Why am I so troubled?
God is my hope; I know the end of the story.
He's saved me from my sins.
God has given me eternal life with HIm.
God is in control.

Self-talk helps reset our focus.
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By day the LORD commands his steadfast love, 
and at night his song is with me, 
a prayer to the God of my life. 
I say to God, my rock: 
"Why have you forgotten me? 
Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?" Psalm 42:8-9

You remember God’s love for you. He delights in you so much that He sings over you. But you still wonder why this is happening to you.

God, You are my rock
I feel like You have forgotten me,
This pandemic has pushed me away from You and from my family and friends.
I scramble to home-school the kids, manage the finances, keep well, manage the loss of my loved ones, and keep smiling.
Have You forgotten me?
Do You see my grief?

God’s self-giving love is unwavering, and His song is with us because He is near.
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Steps We Can Take

The psalmist blurts out to God in all his despair.

Then, he talks to himself. Self talk. Do you talk to yourself to refocus your thinking? I’ve found it to be very helpful, especially when I am distressed.

What if we were to remind ourselves that God is our salvation, our God? God commands His steadfast love, and His song is with us wherever we go.

The God of your life is your rock.

Is your soul struggling?

Hope in the Living God.
Remember God’s works.
Pray to Him about your situation.

Step Application

Pray that the Holy Spirit will reveal to you how God has worked in your life.
Sit down today and list the ways that God has worked. You might give each work of God a title and then write a sentence or two about it.
List the troubles or irritants that you’re currently having. Give them a title and write a sentence or two about them.
Review both lists together.
Tell God each trouble and give Him the list; it’s no longer yours.
Tear up the troubles list
Review the list of how God has worked in your life and thank Him.
Tape that list to your refrigerator.
Ask yourself why you are down cast.

God is your Rock.
His steadfast love is with you.
He sings over you at night, and
He is the God of your life and your salvation!