For the Woman Who Feels Like God is Disappointed in Her

Did you know that the word “disappoint” or “disappointed” is never used in the Bible to describe God’s feelings toward his children? This truth was revealed to me at a Beth Moore conference nearly a year ago. Go ahead, look it up on Bible Gateway if you like.

And yet, so many times as followers of Jesus, we live as though He is disappointed in us.

We mess up and we hang our heads in shame, forgetting that grace covers us. Forgetting that when we come before God and confess our shortcomings, He remembers them no more. (Hebrews 8:12) We replay the incident in our heads over and over, beating ourselves up instead of moving on.

As my family entered this summer season, we made memories. We grabbed hold of the longer days with both hands and watched lightning bugs flicker at nightfall. We splashed in the local pool and soaked up the sun until our heads were weary with the splendor of it.

But we also yelled. I yelled. We tirelessly worked to adjust to new schedules, more time together, which meant more time shared between big brother and little one. More time spent trying to share toys, space, and my attention.

The other day I snapped. Over my oldest son running through the house and nearly knocking me down because he was looking the other way. Over nothing, really. He looked at me as though I’d lost my mind and I’m sure I was on the brink.

Thirty minutes later, on yet another trip to the pool, I cocked my head toward his seat behind me and I apologized. I said I was sorry for getting angry. And you know what? He gave grace. Much, much needed grace.

As we pulled onto the interstate, I realized something. There’s a reason why Jesus talks about the Kingdom belonging to children. There’s a reason why He says to let all the children come to Him. Because children are grace givers.

There are so many things we can learn through the eyes of a child.

Even after I admitted my fault, both to God and to my son, I continued to beat myself up. I was sure that God was disappointed with my behavior. This mom surely missed the mark.

But you know what? God cannot be disappointed. He already knows the end of the story. He’s weaved every intricate detail, stretched from the beginning of time to a point we cannot even see yet.

We spend our days feeling as though God is disappointed, but disappointment negates the essence of who God is.

Do you know in what biblical context the word “disappoint” is used? To describe what the hope of Christ does not do. His hope does not disappoint. (Romans 5:5)

If any of us were under the Law, we would be dead. But because of Jesus, and the Spirit of Truth that lives in each one of us who surrender to Him, we can have life. Oh so abundant life.

“And if by grace, then it is no longer by works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.” (Romans 11:6)

Grace would no longer be grace. Oh, how I need to remember that.

For the sake of ourselves and our children, let us remember that if any of us measured up, Jesus would never have come.

 

This point was written as part of the Woman to Woman Wednesday and Coffee for Your Heart link-ups. Groups of beautiful writers who meet each week to encourage, grow, and inspire. Click the buttons below to learn more.