It’s easy to become dissatisfied and disappointed. I would argue that the cause of this is not that we don’t appreciate what we have, but rather because we become focused on what we don’t have. I think that’s why dissatisfaction is not always easy to spot in our lives…because we ARE thankful for our blessings….we just want the blessings we’re used to having PLUS something else. And wanting something else (if it’s in line with God’s desires) isn’t bad. But, a desire (even a godly one) becomes dangerous when not having it tangibly fulfilled causes you to become angry towards or distrustful of God and results in your doubting His character as a good Father.
If you are questioning if God is good because what you think is best for you hasn’t come yet or seemed to just pass you by, then my guess is you aren’t rooted in gratefulness. Trust me, I don’t say that to judge – I say that from first-hand experience.
Scripture tells us that God is always working on our behalf (John 5:17), Jesus is always pleading to the Father for us (Romans 8:34), and God works all things for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). So how could God’s Best miss us if we really are pursing Him? My thought is that it can’t…but it sure can look like it if our hearts are positioned poorly.
Of course we’re going to be hurt by, mad at, distrustful of and disappointed in God when what “should be” isn’t…and focusing on “what isn’t” is only going to amplify those negative emotions. Oftentimes focusing on a purpose or calling is admirable, but the thing about focus is this – it causes you to worship whatever your focus is on and also miss out on what surrounds it. That’s helpful when you want to engage in an undistracted pursuit of God, but harmful when your focus is on your own desires (this actually makes them idols). We need to practice surrendering our desires (and the timing and details of how those desires will come to pass) to God, take our eyes off of the idol we have focused on so as to dethrone it in our hearts, and instead seek first His kingdom and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33). As a result, we gain the ability to hear God in the small whispers (1 King 19:12) and see Him in the everyday. And the funny thing about seeking God and practicing gratefulness is that He tells us He will add every other good thing to our lives as we focus on Him (Matthew 6:33). He says our thankfulness is satisfying worship to Him, and it turns out gratefulness is the key to unlocking joy….seems like a win-win. This doesn’t surprise me, though, because God’s not selfish – what He desires FROM us is always what is best FOR us too.
amelia catherine 