## Disappointed With Life?

## Ecclesiastes 1:2

Solomon declares that 'all is vanity' or we might say today that 'there's no use…it's meaningless'. He is talking about life. What's the point…what's the use? Nothing really matters. Now that is a feel good message isn't it? Actually it sounds like Solomon was disappointed with life. It is important that we learn how to handle the disappointments of life, so we will not become disappointed with life.

Disappointments will come and go. Sometimes they are huge and at other times they are the little nagging things of life that seem to plague us on a regular basis. Perhaps you've experienced a few disappointments in your life. Maybe you're going through one right now, as we speak. This morning I want us to consider how to deal with the disappointments of life, so that we won't become disappointed with life.

I. Disappointment Is One Of He Facts Of Life

A. Even in the best of circumstances.

1. Think about some of the best situations in your life and see if it isn't true.

2. Maybe you just purchased a new car…it is the car you have wanted for a long time…and then on the way home from the dealer you notice a few things.

3. You build or buy your dream home…and then…

4. You get that new job or that new promotion…but

5. Or perhaps on the way out of town to your honeymoon you begin to notice a few things…

6. The point is this…even on the best days, there is always something lacking.

B. Circumstances are rarely at their best.

1. You know that's true.

2. Your boss is never satisfied…or perhaps it is your employees.

3. Your friends forget to call you like they promised.

4. There's a traffic jam on the way home from work.

5. You struggle to get on the same wavelength as your spouse.

6. Everywhere we look, there's a big gap between what ought to be and what is.

7. That gap is cause for disappointment.

C. But it gets even worse...life is often unfair!

1. It's not a case of things just "not being at their best."

2. There are times when it seems that everything in life is going against you.

3. Your family is falling apart and no matter how hard you try, it seems that nothing is going to help.

4. You find that the company where you have worked for years is closing its doors.

5. You receive the results from the doctor and he tells you he needs to talk with you in his office about it rather than over the phone.

6. You try to figure it all out, but it all seems so unfair!

7. Note: 9:11-12

II. Dealing with the Pain of Disappointment.

A. Some of us choose to deny the pain ....

1. Just pretend that everything is ok.

2. Don't think about that gap between what ought to be and what is in our lives.

3. Like the song said: "Don't worry ... be happy."

4. Isn't that what the Bible says? Not really…Paul talks about learning how to deal with disappointments, not how to deny them.

(Phil 4:11) "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content."

B. Other people try to ease the pain ...

1. They try to drown it in pleasurable activities.

2. They think "life is so hard. I deserve a little relief."

3. They do whatever it takes to escape the reality of the misery of life, just for a little while.

4. That's addictive thinking, and it will only lead to further heartache and disappointment.

C. Others blame the pain on someone else ...

1. They are disappointed and so they plan to take it out on someone

2. They become bitter…

3. Bitter towards the people around them and even bitter towards God.

4. But there is a better way…

III. Allow the disappointment to drive us to the source of comfort. Cf 2 Co. 1:3-4

A. Keep your focus on the Lord.

1. Hebrews was written to some very disappointed believers.

2. They were ready to quit Christianity.

3. But they were challenged to keep their focus and attention of the Lord.

4. Note: Hebrews 12:1-2

B. Realize that we will never be satisfied this side of heaven.

1. The gap between what ought to be and what is will not be closed until that day when we see Jesus face to face.

(Rev 7:16-17) "They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. {17} For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes."

2. Imagine a world without the many sad disappointments of this life.

3. But that is in the future…

C. We need to live today with eternity in view.

1. That is how Paul could be content in spite of the circumstances.

2. He knew that this life was temporary.

3. We must not allow the natural pull of this world to blur our vision.

4. Note the song:

This world is not my home, I'm just a passin' thru. My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue; The angels beckon me from heaven's open door. And I can't feel at home in this world anymore

There are many disappointments in this life, but we can find comfort from the promises of God's Word. But perhaps you are disappointed with life today. If that is true, let me encourage you to be born again. The life that comes from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ will never disappoint us. Jesus said that He came to give us an abundant life. Do you know Him today? Why not come and receive this wonderful life right now? Christian, how do we handle the disappointments of this life? Let them drive us to the source of comfort…Jesus Christ. Let them remind us that all of this is temporary. We must live our lives with eternity in view. Come today, whatever your need.