Wait…What?!?!?

Have you ever read something and then have to stop and ask, “What?” And then read it again to verify your thoughts agree with what you read?

That happened in my quiet time this morning.

Disappointment is a feeling of sadness or frustration when expectations or hopes fall short.

I have been disappointed with my kids, my husband, my parents and even Xena, the wonder dog.

Does that mean that they did something wrong? Not necessarily. It’s that I had expected or hoped for one thing, and that thing did not come true.

Goodness, even this morning, I am disappointed with myself. I should have exercised, written this blog sooner, done a load of laundry.

In Isaiah 57:15, it speaks of God being in the high and holy place, and “also with him who is of contrite and lowly spirit….”

He is so big and so mighty – so far above His creation. Yet, He is near to the humble, the hurting and the lonely.

In verse 18, it reminds us that God sees us. He knows our actions. He knows our sins. Yet, He will heal us and restore us.

So, He knows all. He has no unmet expectations. He knows that we will sin. He knows exactly how we will sin. We cannot disappoint Him.

What?!?!?

I don’t understand this. I cannot fathom not disappointing Him. But, thankfully, I don’t have to understand it. I am human and He is God.

It says elsewhere in scripture that we can grieve Him. He loves us and wants the best for us. But, He has emotions too.

But, we cannot disappoint Him. We do not surprise Him.

The question becomes: What do you do when you sin? Do you say, “I messed up. God (my Father) is going to kill me.”

Or do you say, “I messed up. I need run to God (my Daddy.)”

God’s wrath for our sin is no more. It was paid for on the cross. He is waiting for us to go to Him every time we sin. He will forgive us. Every time.

He can also change our hearts. He longs to be in relationship with us.

Thank you, Father, Abba, Daddy. I worship You.

Short Prayers

Yesterday was a beautiful day with a lot of sunshine and heat. It was the kind of day you wished you had a pool.

My friend took her 20 kids to the pool yesterday (an exaggerated number, but there are many.) Her ten month old was found under the water. The day quickly turned dark.

When Tim called to let me know, I could tell he was struggling to hold it together. We prayed and asked God for healing, wisdom for the medical people and comfort for the family. The entire phone call was less than 3 minutes.

I know there were a lot of prayers on behalf of the family. I know the family was praying too. My guess is they were all short but fervent prayers filled with passion. Heal him – protect him – help me!

God isn’t looking for eloquent words. Nor is He keeping a stopwatch to mark how long you prayed.

He wants your heart. He wants your honesty. He wants your worship. He wants your raw, unfiltered, messy, confused emotions. He wants your heart.

The child cried last night – which was music to everyone’s ears. He is getting stronger and may leave the hospital today. So thankful.

At church last night, the worship songs contained the lyrics “Oh, magnify the Lord…Let us exalt His name together…No one beside You, Lord…Honor and praise are Yours forever.” Another was “Praise to the Lord…To the Lamb…To the King of heaven…With a thousand hallelujahs…We magnify Your name…You alone deserve the glory….” I sang my heart out last night. So very thankful.

I wondered if the outcome with the child had been different if I would have sung with such passion. Would I have wanted to Praise the Lord if I were mad at him?

Worship to God is not based on my feelings. Worship to God is because of who He is.

God doesn’t change. He is worthy. Period.

Short prayers or long prayers. It doesn’t matter to God. He is looking at your heart.

(originally published in 2022)