Disappointment – Exit 2

If you move past Desire – Exit 1 which is a simple desire that functions under the greater desire of submitting to God’s sovereign plan which is for your good and God’s glory, then you arrive at Disappointment – Exit 2. At this exit, you notice the following sign:

Here, there are two places to lodge. Based upon my own experience, let me suggest you only really get rest at one of them. You can either choose Contentment, where the motto is, “Not my will, but yours be done,” or Upset, where the motto is, “You didn’t give me what I wanted…” Let me explain the amenities of both places.

When if you exit at Disappointment and you choose Contentment, it will cost you something. Even though you are disappointed that you did not get what you were desiring or wanting, you pray to God in submission to His will. You express your disappointment, but also express your heart desire that you want what He wants out of the disappointment. You desire for Him to grow you in His plan and according to His will. In this way, the amenities offered here include good rest. You may be sad; however, you have joy that God is up to something good in your life, even in disappointment.

When if you exit at Disappointment and you choose Upset, it will also cost you more. Here, you can get in the lobby but the receptionist sadly gives you two options. You can choose to change your heart and go stay at Contentment, or go to Discontentment – Exit 3 where there is lodging at Unsettled. You have a choice you must make here.

At this exit, we are reminded of James 4:1-10. In this text, if in disappointment we keep our heart open to God’s will as better, we can stay content even in our disappointment that we did not receive what we had wished. However, if our heart begins to grip our desire, want, or lust, we develop the heart posture toward God (and, by extension others) of “You didn’t give me what I wanted!” This text is reminiscent of James 1:13-18 where desire or lust conceives and brings forth sin. Here, he explains it as we get a pride-filled heart and demand what we want more than accept in humility what God has given.

Discontentment – Exit 3

If you move past Desire – Exit 1 and do not choose Contentment at Disappointment – Exit 2, then you will take Discontentment – Exit 3. At this exit, you notice the following sign:

Sadly, there is just one place to lodge at this exit. You must choose Unsettled, where the motto is, “I want what I want more!”

Here at Unsettled, the amenities include no real rest, often anxiety, struggle, sadness, anger, and more! For the person who does not enjoy a peaceful life, this is the place. Although you can still talk to God and talk with others, the reception is fairly poor here. You end up talking less to God and, when you talk to others, often it is not a pleasant conversation. People laugh less often and generally struggle under the burden of “God resists the proud” (James 4:1-10).

When you find yourself at this exit, the best choice is to get back on the road and head for the other exits. Thankfully, God provides the way for us in Christ. The Bible reads:

But He gives more grace. Therefore He says:

Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up. (James 4:6-10)

The road back includes submission, resisting, drawing near, confession, repentance, sorrow over sin, and humility. As you repent of your pride and humbly accept God’s plan as best, you will see the road clearer to get back to Contentment, where God leaves the light on for you.

Sit at the Desk and Make a Gratitude List

No matter which of the places you are at, take a moment and sit down to begin a good gratitude list. In tomorrow’s blog, I will provide you a complete guide to writing and using a gratitude list to help you build greater contentment.

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