"We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed " 2 Corinthians 4:9 NLT
Disappointments can turn up in our life when we least expect them. We may be looking forward to a certain thing and suddenly, it has been changed and there appears to be an empty space in our hearts. At this stage, if we're not careful, it would be easy to become upset. However, these things happen and we need to make a space for them.
Some people have a lived a life of disappointment and therefore, find it very difficult to accept when they are let down. They can take it personally feeling that it is the story of their life. This is not the attitude to take, things happen and even though being let down hurts, they can't be avoided and there is always the room for things to be re-negotiated.
Our text today, tells us, 'We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.' Being let down hurts, it's true but, we need to be open to change. James tells us, 'when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy' (James 1:2). Notice that James doesn't say 'if trouble comes your way,' but, 'when it does.' James knew that troubles come to all of us and we need to find a way to handle it. He tells us to 'consider it an opportunity for great joy.' James is not saying that we should pretend to be happy when we are not by putting a smile on our face. Not at all, but he is encouraging us to have a positive outlook about it all. Things will change, there will be other opportunities.
This is how we can get back up again when we are knocked down. This way, we avoid being destroyed and keep our peace about it all. Can you remember those inflatable, blow up children's toys from a few years ago. They were about three feet high and one could knock them down but they would spring back up again. They had a happy smile on their faces. This is how we need to be - not putting on a false smile but, having the grace to let people or situations off the hook when they have let us down.
Don't allow yourself to become hurt by discouragement and disappointment; it's temporary and will soon be changed and re-scheduled. This includes something that you are waiting to have delivered or someone who was due to visit you. Don't let these things get you down. When you get knocked down (and you will,) spring back up again like the children's toy.
Just find an opportunity to praise God and be joyful. That is how to live.
Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.
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