Confusion, disappointment, and hope

Confusion.

God, didn't you say he would be victorious?

It's not fair.  He's gone through so much and come so far.

Disappointment.

The doctor says there's no sight and nothing he can do.

Hope. 

Did he just focus on my face?

Did he squint when we moved into the sunlight?

And there's nothing wrong with each emotion we feel in the process of hearing and accepting news that we didn't expect; a journey we didn't plan to take.  To get stuck in confusion or disappointment or anger, that would be wrong.  To take them to God and place them in His powerful hands, that is just fine.  And all the while He is looking at us with love, crying with us in our disappointment and confusion, and smiling at our faith, trust, and hope - no matter how small.  We see life through our lenses, not through God's, and He knows that.  He looks at us, His creation, and as always, it is good.

But at the same time we're told to ask and so we ask.  And as we ask, we hope.  And when we allow ourselves to hope, we might again be disappointed or confused and the cycle starts again.  Each time, however, we find ourselves a bit closer to God's peace, true faith in His plans, and joy in whatever comes.

Whatever your disappointment.  Whatever your confusion.  Whatever makes you grieve right now, know that there is hope!

^{Psalm 25: 2-4, Amplified Bible}

² O my God, I trust, lean on, rely on, and am confident in You. Let me not be put to shame or [my hope in You] be disappointed; let not my enemies triumph over me.

³ Yes, let none who trust and wait hopefully and look for You be put to shame or be disappointed; let them be ashamed who forsake the right or deal treacherously without cause.

⁴ Show me Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths.