Reframing Disappointment to Find Rest

We had all hoped that he was the one who would redeem and rescue Israel. - Luke 24:21

This past Sunday we wrapped up the series on soul care by focusing on rest.  It’s worth acknowledging that rest can be difficult for many of us going through a disappointing season.  Not to mention, we are transitioning into holiday mode where we can feel like it’s time to flip the switch and embrace gratitude and joy.  If you are not fully through feelings of disappointment, that’s okay.

 The initial followers of Jesus went through their own sense of disappointment.  In the aftermath of Jesus’ crucifixion, his followers felt crushed and confused.  The man who would save Israel from Rome’s oppression was dead, and their dream of freedom died with him.  Two of his followers left Jerusalem to return home to Emmaus.  As they walked, they were trying to process their despair.  A stranger joined them and asked what they were discussing.  Surprised that this fellow had not heard the news, they quickly brought him up to speed.  One of them explained, “We had all hoped that he was the one who would redeem and rescue Israel.”  Now their hope was gone. It had all come to an end. 

Then the stranger walking with them began to reframe the disappointment of the past few days.  He connected the dots between prophecies foretold centuries before to recent events.  Their loss was retold from a different perspective, the perspective of time.  Their eyes blinded by disappointment, were suddenly brought into focus.  They could see Jesus, resurrected and alive, the one now helping them make sense of a larger story at play - a freedom story, a love story.

We all face disappointments.  So much of our lives are lived like those on the road to Emmaus trying to make sense of it.  Perhaps acknowledging the highs and lows we feel in this season with trusted friends is a way for the larger story to come into focus. 

I invite you to mediate on this prayer. 

God, help me see your guiding hand in all the disappointments I face.  Help me live with part of the story until the larger story comes fully into focus.  Until then help me find rest in your embrace.