To set the stage for disappointment, there needs to initially be a hope or an expectation. Food, shelter, and hydration are basic needs for sustenance. Both our bodies and minds suffer when these are inadequate. When we have reason to believe this inadequacy might soon be filled, we become hopeful. When the time frame of the expectation that is associated with the need is exceeded, we feel disappointment.
Primarily the need for these three essentials is very basic. Either we have them, or we don’t. Emotional expectations for spiritual, mental and social needs are more complex. We have a need for security. An awareness of two destinies, of a heaven and a hell, are factors that become part of this emotional journey. No living person has experienced death; no deceased person can relate to the living.
Some beliefs are very fundamental in describing the two destinies. Many people prefer to avoid the subject entirely. Interestingly enough, agnostic people who claim no belief in eternal destinations, are neverthelessoften disappointed or frustrated with those that preach a heaven and hell. This leads to a thought that being uncaring or unconcerned is not a “heart” choice. Our inner man, our soul, is not dissuaded by our mind’s attempt to squelch truth. Matthew 10:28 “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” Ultimate disappointment will be realized when the mind overpowers the soul of man, because the mind has this capability
Right and wrong are the primary starting points of all theology. This sets a huge stage for disappointment. Many beliefs endorse a code of conduct, a list of ethics. A ground for determining sincerity. Determining right and wrong is often grounded in the instructions of a foundational authority figure, or figures. Whether it’s Christianity, Islam, Judaism, or any of the myriad of other persuasions, expectations follow. When people fail to comply with the guidelines of their belief, they are breaching their own claim. This results in disappointment.
To wade through the claims and topics, there are two elements that help. Namely Sobriety and Truth. Sobriety is a grounded, level-headed emotion. It doesn’t cohabit with hasty decisions or impulsiveness. Truth is exactly that. Truth. Truth is factual, unemotional and nonjudgmental. Truth is established with unbiased consideration. To use the example of one trekking in the desert. If there is water remaining in the canteen, then there is water. If the canteen is empty then it’s empty. Truth.
Both Sobriety and Truth have practically been removed from people’s vocabulary, by the nature of the world we live in. Both of these virtues are quite content to remain anonymous, or unnoticed, like an anchor on a ship. However, when the storms are raging, when expectation has turned to disappointment, Truth and Sobriety will be there. Still, like the captain of a ship, we will need to deploy the anchor. Until it is used, It is of no value. Sober thinking will now need to take over. Sober thinking uses Truth to determine action. Sober thinking has no time, in the heat of the moment, to confer about the how, why, or where of the empty canteen. Sober thinking will not lay blame on the one who drank the last of the water. It will determine the action plan, based on Truth.
Satan started in the Garden of Eden with “Hath God said?” (Genesis 3:1) Through the ages of time the question resonates with much of mankind, “How could a loving God allow these atrocities or terrible circumstances?”
Christian life is not a dictatorship. Mankind is taught the error of their way using questionable circumstances. They are questionable because, as our finite mind sees them, they don’t make sense. God doesn’t make sense. Sending David against Goliath doesn’t make sense. Daniel in the lion’s den doesn’t make sense. The disappointments mankind faces today don’t make sense either. Many of our expectations will be spoiled by no-shows, deceit, unkind people, weather, acts of God. You name it.
In the heat of the battle, it seems too casual to, “Cast your care upon God for He careth for you,” and to soberly acknowledge that something about the present circumstances has a purpose.Be of good courage.
