Theme of the month: LIVE HAPPY... TODAY

DAY 17: HAPPY LIVING ... DESPITE DISAPPOINTMENTS

By Benescke Janse van Rensburg

At the beginning of the last day of the British Open Golf Tournament over the weekend, Adam Scott was predicted to be the winner. Not only had he a four stroke lead over his nearest competitor, but the wind was blowing strongly which made the course difficult for the rest of the players to catch up with Scott.

With four holes left, Scott’s chances to win the title suddenly collapsed when he bogeyed all four holes causing Ernie Els to be crowned the winner of the Claret Jug for the second time, making him a Major champion for the fourth time.

Even though Scott showed good sportsmanship during his disaster defeat, shaking hands and trying to smile, his disappointment during the handover ceremony of the trophy could not be hidden from his face.

Scott’s disappointment made me think of the disappointments we face  at times. You may have applied for a specific job. You were the favorite candidate, but a younger colleague with less experience got the job. You may have been convinced that the person you dated was your future spouse, but then he or she broke off the relationship. You may have shared something confidential with a friend or family member, just to realize that they neglected to keep your secret safe.

How do you handle those moments of utter disappointment? Do you blame other people or do you take the matter to God with the knowledge that He has the final say in every situation? God knows the future and we can truly trust Him. In Psalm 62:5 we read: “Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.” He opens and closes doors to protect us. In Revelation 3:7 we read: “These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open.

If you therefore experience another disappointment, instead of feeling sorry for yourself, start to thank God. He knows your future. If He is not currently protecting you from pride or a wrong decision, He is probably strengthening your character to be able to handle the pressures accompanying amazing breakthroughs in your future. He wants what is best for you, so rest assured that He will open and close the  correct doors – even if you have to endure a short time of disappointment. God bless.

Father God, thank you that no disappointment is ever too big for You to turn around in my life. Help me to stay positive amidst hard times, trusting You to be at work. I ask this in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

** Benescke Janse van Rensburg is a freelance journalist and author of the books, Ontdek God in die stories van mense, Wysheid-oordenkings uit Spreuke and Hoop in tye van nood-oordenkings uit Psalms.