Do Not Be Disappointed
By Susan Price
A number of years ago, I was in my car bumper-to-bumper on Route 128N. The traffic was moving as slowly as a sloth on a tree, and cars were frantically changing lanes. I kept my gaze on the road and immediately noticed a car swerved into my lane. Whew, I thought, glad I was moving at a snail’s pace. If not, I would have crashed into this car. As I waited for traffic to accelerate, I noticed the bumper sticker on the aforementioned car in front of me: “Blessed is he who doesn’t expect for he will not be disappointed.” What a funny bumper sticker that has actually stuck with me for these many, many years as it revisits and truly resonates with me time and time again.
How many times in my life have I expected more than what I had actually received!! Maybe it was a return check in the mail, a tax return, a promotion, a gift, etc., and when I opened that piece of mail or gift, my jaw dropped with disappointment and dissatisfaction. Why did I even think that I would be receiving more? From where did I get that notion? Was I possessing an entitled heart, spirit, attitude, and mindset during those times?
I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:10-13 (NIV)
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.
1 Timothy 6:6-8 (NIV)
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. Hebrews 13:5 (NIV)
I thank God that He always provides for my needs (not my greed), and He never disappoints when we place our total trust and confidence in Him.
