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A book review – Part Two - Dealing with Disappointment by John Hindley

I have been reviewing the book; Dealing with Disappointment by John Hindley.  I continue it today with part 2.

A common thread that has been running throughout the book is that life on this earth does seem to be one huge disappointment. We are constantly chasing the next big thing, whether it is a promotion or a better house.

Somehow what we have now is not good enough and striving for things in life is portrayed as the answer to our disappointments. And to some degree, this may be true. It's always nice to have nice things as it gives us a feel-good factor, but for how long? The real question is how true is this?

From my own experience and the book, it probably not very true because more often than not, once we get the upgrade in life, we may get an instant high but that buzz seems to be superficial and empty at the same time.

We just have to look back in the last couple of years to realise that there is at least an element of truth into this from the disappointment in our (lack) of successes, we should or could have done better. As I thought on this, I am wondering whether our perception of disappointment is feeding our lack of peace. And therefore creating a vicious cycle for ourselves? 

The book goes on to say that our core identity needs to be in eternity and to be in a relationship with Christ. This doesn’t mean an end to life’s disappointments but it does mean a change in our response to disappointment.

His perfect love fills us up so much that it comforts us in the midst of discouragement and life’s hurts and helps us bounce back from them, quickly. We tend to see life through our own beliefs and values shaped by the imperfect world that influences our seeing and thinking. We can define life by disappointments or by Jesus.  He keeps our disappointments in perspective.

Following Jesus helps us bear the fruit that we all need to live a victorious life in the midst of a troubled world. The world tells us that we need a standard of living, whereas the word of God challenges us to think of a standard for a living (northpoint.org).

The practice of thankfulness and hope destroys despair because our best life doesn't sit with earthly matters but in eternity through Him. Living for Jesus is never disappointing. 

I draw this to a close by asking you the following questions: what are the disappointments in your life and how have you responded to them?  Is this way of responding sustainable?

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