Finding Hope and Integrity in Disappointment

Devotional

Day 1: Realigning Expectations with God's Truth

Disappointment is a common emotion in our culture, often arising from unmet expectations and false assumptions. We must recognize these sources and realign our expectations with God's truth. Disappointment can stem from various sources, such as personal failures, broken relationships, or unfulfilled dreams. These experiences can lead us to question God's goodness and faithfulness. However, it is crucial to understand that our expectations may not always align with God's plans for us. When we place our hope in earthly things, we set ourselves up for disappointment. Instead, we should anchor our expectations in God's promises and His unchanging nature.

Joseph's life is a powerful example of dealing with disappointment. Despite being sold into slavery by his brothers, losing his mother at a young age, and facing false accusations from Potiphar's wife, Joseph remained steadfast in his faith and integrity. He did not allow his circumstances to dictate his trust in God. By realigning our expectations with God's truth, we can find hope and strength to endure life's challenges. [25:51]

Psalm 62:5-6 (ESV): "For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken."

Reflection: Think of a recent disappointment you faced. How can you realign your expectations with God's truth and promises today?

Day 2: Integrity in the Face of Adversity

Joseph's unwavering integrity, even when falsely accused and imprisoned, serves as a powerful example. Setting boundaries and avoiding temptation are crucial in maintaining our faithfulness to God. Joseph's story highlights the importance of maintaining our integrity, regardless of the circumstances. When Potiphar's wife tried to seduce him, Joseph refused to compromise his values and fled from temptation. His commitment to doing what was right, even at great personal cost, demonstrates the strength of his character and his trust in God.

In our own lives, we may face situations where our integrity is tested. It could be in our workplaces, relationships, or personal decisions. By setting clear boundaries and seeking God's guidance, we can navigate these challenges with integrity. Joseph's example reminds us that our faithfulness to God is more important than any temporary gain or comfort. [31:36]

Proverbs 11:3 (ESV): "The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them."

Reflection: Identify an area in your life where your integrity is being tested. What boundaries can you set to avoid temptation and remain faithful to God?

Day 3: God's Presence in Our Trials

Just as God was with Joseph in his darkest moments, He is with us in our trials. God's steadfast love and presence are our ultimate hope, even when we feel forgotten or abandoned. Joseph's imprisonment was a metaphorical "pit," similar to the one his brothers had thrown him into years earlier. Yet, even in these dark moments, God was with Joseph, showing him steadfast love and favor. This assurance of God's presence gave Joseph the strength to endure and remain faithful.

In our own lives, we may experience seasons of deep despair and suffering. It is during these times that we must remember that God has not forgotten us. He is with us, offering His steadfast love and presence. By trusting in God's faithfulness, we can find hope and comfort, knowing that He is working all things for our good. [49:42]

Isaiah 43:2 (ESV): "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt abandoned or forgotten. How can you remind yourself of God's presence and steadfast love in your current trials?

Day 4: Adopting a Higher Perspective

Like the reconnaissance pilot who saw hope amidst the battle, we need to adopt a higher perspective. Trusting in God's overarching plan helps us see beyond our immediate struggles. The story of the World War II veterans illustrated the importance of perspective. While one soldier saw only despair, the reconnaissance pilot saw hope and progress. Similarly, we need to adopt a higher perspective, trusting that God is at work even when we cannot see it.

Our immediate struggles can often cloud our vision, making it difficult to see God's hand in our lives. By seeking a higher perspective, we can trust that God is orchestrating everything for our good and His glory. This shift in perspective allows us to find hope and strength, even in the midst of our trials. [47:26]

2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (ESV): "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."

Reflection: Think of a current struggle you are facing. How can you adopt a higher perspective and trust in God's overarching plan?

Day 5: The Discipline of Trust and Prayer

Trusting God is a daily choice and discipline. Through prayer, we remind ourselves of His presence and practice the discipline of trusting Him, even when we cannot see the outcome. Joseph's life exemplifies the importance of daily trust and prayer. Despite the many challenges he faced, Joseph remained steadfast in his faith, continually seeking God's guidance and strength. This daily discipline of trust and prayer enabled him to navigate his trials with grace and resilience.

In our own lives, we must cultivate the habit of trusting God daily. Through prayer, we can remind ourselves of His presence and surrender our worries and fears to Him. This practice helps us develop a deeper relationship with God and strengthens our faith, even when we cannot see the outcome. [55:57]

Psalm 37:5 (ESV): "Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act."

Reflection: How can you incorporate the discipline of trust and prayer into your daily routine? What specific steps can you take to deepen your relationship with God today?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today, we delved into the story of Joseph from Genesis 39, focusing on the theme of disappointment and how it manifests in our lives. We began by acknowledging the prevalent emotion of disappointment in our culture, often stemming from unmet expectations and false assumptions. Joseph's life serves as a poignant example of dealing with profound disappointment. Despite being sold into slavery by his brothers, losing his mother at a young age, and facing false accusations from Potiphar's wife, Joseph remained steadfast in his faith and integrity.

Joseph's story teaches us about the importance of maintaining our integrity and setting boundaries to avoid temptation. Even when falsely accused and thrown into prison, Joseph did not waver. His resilience and faithfulness in the face of adversity are a testament to his character and trust in God. We also explored how Joseph's imprisonment was a metaphorical "pit," similar to the one his brothers had thrown him into years earlier. Yet, even in the darkest moments, God was with Joseph, showing him steadfast love and favor.

We discussed how our own disappointments can often be traced back to false assumptions about God, others, or life itself. These assumptions can lead to idolatry, where we place our hope in earthly things rather than in God. However, God is always with us, even in our deepest pits. He is a God who pitches His tent with us, offering His steadfast love and presence.

In times of great despair and suffering, we are reminded that God has not forgotten us. Just as He was with Joseph, He is with us in our trials. The story of the World War II veterans illustrated the importance of perspective. While one soldier saw only despair, the reconnaissance pilot saw hope and progress. Similarly, we need to adopt a higher perspective, trusting that God is at work even when we cannot see it.

Ultimately, our hope lies in the fact that God is with us, and through Jesus, we have the promise of eternal life. This truth transcends any level of disappointment or suffering we may face. We are called to trust in God daily, practicing the discipline of prayer and surrendering our lives to Him.

###

Key Takeaways

1. The Prevalence of Disappointment: Disappointment is a common emotion in our culture, often arising from unmet expectations and false assumptions. We must recognize these sources and realign our expectations with God's truth. [25:51]
2. Integrity in Adversity: Joseph's unwavering integrity, even when falsely accused and imprisoned, serves as a powerful example. Setting boundaries and avoiding temptation are crucial in maintaining our faithfulness to God. [31:36]
3. God's Presence in Our Pits: Just as God was with Joseph in his darkest moments, He is with us in our trials. God's steadfast love and presence are our ultimate hope, even when we feel forgotten or abandoned. [49:42]
4. The Importance of Perspective: Like the reconnaissance pilot who saw hope amidst the battle, we need to adopt a higher perspective. Trusting in God's overarching plan helps us see beyond our immediate struggles. [47:26]
5. Daily Trust and Prayer: Trusting God is a daily choice and discipline. Through prayer, we remind ourselves of His presence and practice the discipline of trusting Him, even when we cannot see the outcome. [55:57]
### [55:57]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[04:54] - Introduction to Disappointment
[25:51] - The Default Emotion of Disappointment
[27:58] - First World Problems
[29:46] - Joseph's Story: From Favored Son to Slave
[31:36] - Joseph's Integrity and Temptation
[33:35] - False Accusations and Imprisonment
[35:39] - Joseph's Flashbacks to the Pit
[37:41] - Interpreting Dreams in Prison
[39:34] - Unmet Expectations and False Assumptions
[41:34] - Idolatry and Misplaced Hope
[43:25] - Disappointments as Warning Lights
[45:26] - Deep Despair and God's Presence
[47:26] - The Story of the WWII Veterans
[49:42] - God's Steadfast Love and Presence
[51:41] - The Promise of Eternal Life
[53:59] - Jesus' Victory Over the Pit
[55:57] - The Discipline of Trust and Prayer
[57:48] - Closing Prayer and Reflection

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What were the key events that led to Joseph being thrown into prison? ([29:46])
How did Joseph respond to Potiphar's wife's advances, and what boundaries did he set to avoid temptation? ([31:36])
What does Genesis 39:21 say about God's presence with Joseph during his imprisonment? ([49:42])
How did the reconnaissance pilot's perspective differ from the foot soldier's during the D-Day event? ([47:26])

Interpretation Questions

What does Joseph's unwavering integrity in the face of false accusations teach us about maintaining our faithfulness to God? ([31:36])
How can unmet expectations and false assumptions about God, others, or life lead to disappointment and idolatry? ([41:34])
In what ways does the story of the World War II veterans illustrate the importance of perspective in our own lives? ([47:26])
How does the promise of God's steadfast love and presence provide hope in times of great despair and suffering? ([49:42])

Application Questions

Reflect on a recent disappointment in your life. How did unmet expectations or false assumptions contribute to that feeling? What steps can you take to realign your expectations with God's truth? ([25:51])
Joseph set clear boundaries to avoid temptation. Are there areas in your life where you need to set similar boundaries? What practical steps can you take to maintain your integrity? ([31:36])
When facing a difficult situation, how can you adopt a higher perspective, similar to the reconnaissance pilot, to see beyond your immediate struggles? ([47:26])
Think of a time when you felt like you were in a "pit." How did you experience God's presence during that time? How can you remind yourself of His steadfast love in future trials? ([49:42])
Trusting God is a daily discipline. What specific practices can you incorporate into your daily routine to strengthen your trust in Him, especially during challenging times? ([55:57])
How can you use prayer as a tool to remind yourself of God's presence and to practice the discipline of trusting Him? ([55:57])
Identify one area of your life where you have placed your hope in earthly things rather than in God. What changes can you make to shift your focus back to Him? ([43:25])

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "We live in a culture that's in pursuit or in constant chase of what we think is the next best thing. That's kind of where we live. Whether it has to do with our comfort, our status, or our pleasure, it's why there's such a thing as a culture of displeasure. A first world problem. Have you ever heard of first world problems? They're minor inconveniences, right? Minor inconveniences that create a heightened stress level or a heightened stress response in certain populations, mostly like ours." (44 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Most of the time we can trace our feelings of disappointment back to one of two things. We can trace most of those feelings back to either unmet expectations or false assumptions, unmet expectations or false assumptions about God, about others or about life. For instance, there are so many assumptions or views that about God that don't line up with, with him in scripture, right? Like, um, God is the one that's supposed to take care of me, isn't he? And if I, if he's going to take care of me, that means he's supposed to make sure that I'm always happy and comfortable. False." (58 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Church, there is nothing wrong with delighting in the goodness that God has given us or delighting in his blessings or his creation. But just like we talked about last week, if those things become distractions from his will, we're in big trouble. What if we started looking at our disappointments, maybe started treating them like warning lights on the dashboard of our life." (28 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "God is with us in the ER. He is with us in the loneliness. God is with us at the funeral and at the graveside. He is with us in the faltering marriage. God is with us in the sleepless nights, feeling like there's no end in sight. Even if I don't feel it, even if I don't see it, he is with me." (22 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Through him, and with him, when we believe in him, when we surrender our lives to him, when we repent of our sins and are baptized and make Jesus the Lord and savior of our life, we know that we still, we will also, even though we're still here, even though we see the pits, we will step out of our pits. And one day we will be with him. We will live with him when there will be no more pain. There will be no more suffering." (29 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "Joseph is surrounded by darkness. He is sinking into yet another pit. And then, and then, now, read verse 21 of Genesis 39. The Lord was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. Church, this is our hope. In the midst of disappointment, in the midst of great despair, this is our hope in the face of suffering and of the great trials of the pit of this life. God is with us. He's with us." (22 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "What if we started looking at our disappointments, maybe started treating them like warning lights on the dashboard of our life. And we could see these disappointments and, and begin to, to, to interact with them. Maybe it will allow them to lead us, to, to what, when those feelings start to come up, ask ourselves some questions that, man, what's, what is really bringing on those feelings? What's really behind it? Have I placed my hope in earthly circumstances or, or pursuits or in flawed, imperfect people? Am I out of line with who God is and, and what's true about his word?" (28 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Church, every once in a while, we need to be reconnaissance pilots. We need to get up over the pit. Just take a step back and realize what's going on. We need to see. Even if just for a moment, we need to remember, like we said week one of the series, God does not directly cause or will everything to happen. God does not will sin. God does not will evil. We live in a world where God does move and operate. But it is also a world where God has allowed free will to operate." (52 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Trusting God is a daily choice and discipline. The kind of trust that I want to practice requires a choice every day in prayer. God, you are doing a good work in me and you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. I can't see it today, and I don't feel it today, but I'm trusting in who you are today." (32 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "God, have you forgotten about me too? Because it seems like everyone else has. There's a story, uh, of an event that took place several years ago to honor veterans of World War II. And, um, at this event, they were celebrating the stories of victory that took place. And I want to read you a portion of this article that I was reading about it. It's a story of part of what took place in that event that day." (35 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?