The Disappointments of Life

 •  4 min. read  •  grade level: 6
The disappointments of life are in reality only the decrees of love. I have a message for thee today, My child. I will whisper it softly in thine ear, in order that the storm clouds which appear may be gilt with glory and that the thorns on which thou mayest have to walk be blunted. The message is short a tiny sentence but allow it to sink into the depths of thine heart, that it may be to thee a cushion on which to rest thy weary head: “This thing is from Me” (1 Kings 12:2424Thus saith the Lord, Ye shall not go up, nor fight against your brethren the children of Israel: return every man to his house; for this thing is from me. They hearkened therefore to the word of the Lord, and returned to depart, according to the word of the Lord. (1 Kings 12:24)).
Hast thou never thought that all which concerns thee concerns Me also? He that toucheth thee toucheth the apple of Mine eye (Zech. 2:88For thus saith the Lord of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye. (Zechariah 2:8)). Thou hast been precious in Mine eyes that is why I take a special interest in thine upbringing. When temptation assails thee and the enemy comes in like a flood, I would wish thee to know that “this thing is from Me.” I am the God of circumstances. Thou hast not been placed where thou art by chance, but because it is the place I have chosen for thee. Didst thou not ask to become humble? Behold, I have placed thee in the very place where this lesson is to be learned. It is by thy surroundings and thy companions that the workings of My will are to come about.
Hast thou money difficulties? Is it hard to keep within thine income? “This thing is from Me.” I am He that possesses all things. I wish thee to draw everything from Me and depend entirely upon Me. My riches are infinite, without limit (Phil. 4:1919But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)). Put My promise to the proof, so that it may not be said of thee, “Yet in this thing ye did not believe the Lord your God” (Deut. 1:3232Yet in this thing ye did not believe the Lord your God, (Deuteronomy 1:32)).
Has some friend disappointed thee? One to whom thou hadst opened thine heart? “This thing is from Me.” I have allowed this disappointment that thou mightest learn that the best friend is Jesus. He preserves us from falling and fights for us in our combats. Yea, the best friend is Jesus. I long to be thy confidant.
Has someone said false things of thee? Leave that and come closer to Me, under My wings, away from the place of wordy dispute, for I will “bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday” (Psa. 37:66And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday. (Psalm 37:6)).
Have thy plans been all upset? Art thou crushed and weary? “This thing is from Me.” Hast thou made plans and then, coming, asked Me to bless them? I wish to make thy plans for thee. I will take the responsibility, for it is too heavy for thee; thou couldest not perform it alone (Ex. 18:1818Thou wilt surely wear away, both thou, and this people that is with thee: for this thing is too heavy for thee; thou art not able to perform it thyself alone. (Exodus 18:18)). Thou art but an instrument and not an agent.
Hast thou desired fervently to do some great work for Me? Instead of that thou hast been laid on a bed of sickness and suffering. “This thing is from Me.” I was unable to attract thy attention whilst thou wast so active. I wish to teach thee some of My deep lessons. It is only those who have learned to wait patiently who can serve Me. My greatest workers are sometimes those who are laid aside from active service in order that they may learn to wield the weapon of prayer.
Art thou suddenly called to occupy a difficult position full of responsibilities? Go forward, counting on Me. I am giving thee the position full of difficulties for the reason that “Jehovah thy God will bless thee” in all thy works, and in all the business of thy hands (Deut. 15:1818It shall not seem hard unto thee, when thou sendest him away free from thee; for he hath been worth a double hired servant to thee, in serving thee six years: and the Lord thy God shall bless thee in all that thou doest. (Deuteronomy 15:18) JND). This day I place in thy hand a pot of holy oil. Draw from it freely, My child, that all the circumstances arising along the pathway, each word that gives thee pain, each interruption trying to the patience, each manifestation of thy feebleness may be anointed with this oil. Remember that interruptions are divine instructions. The sting will go in the measure in which thou seest Me in all things. Therefore set your heart unto all the works that I testify among you this day, for it is your life (Deut. 32:46-4746And he said unto them, Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day, which ye shall command your children to observe to do, all the words of this law. 47For it is not a vain thing for you; because it is your life: and through this thing ye shall prolong your days in the land, whither ye go over Jordan to possess it. (Deuteronomy 32:46‑47)).
Found in J. N. Darby’s Bible