Set Free from Disappointment

I was stuck.

The week was tough. I felt overlooked and under-appreciated. Inwardly, I experienced waves of frustration. I complained in my spirit and to trusted companions. And I had uncharacteristic outbursts of anger. I was not in a healthy place emotionally or spiritually. In short, I was miserable.

However, thanks to the faithful work of the Holy Spirit, a measure of confession accompanied my complaints. Even though I was being honest about my emotions, I knew my attitude was not Christ-honoring.

Disappointed, I had given myself permission to take offense, sit in judgment, and complain. I had fallen into the trap of looking to myself and others for validation. I knew I was stuck. Like the apostle Paul, I asked, “. . . who will rescue me . . . ?” (Romans 7:24).

But God

Thanks be to God! In His loving pursuit; in His perfect timing and wisdom, He spoke to my heart from His Word: “Do not sit in the seat of scoffers” (see Psalm 1:1). I was surprised by that truth’s intense impact in my spirit. A lump formed in my throat. Tears flowed. Confession began. In response to His Word, I confessed that the place where I was dwelling, the seat of scoffers, fell short of His best for me—emotionally and spiritually.

In the days that followed, God revealed more. In my journal I wrote, “Don’t get stuck here (in the seat of scoffers). If I must sit, may it be in a restorative place, in a ‘green pasture’ my Shepherd provides (see Psalm 23:2). Don’t sit and stew; don’t sit and judge. Rather, sit and receive; sit and listen.”

My heart was filled with gratitude for the freedom that comes from a yielded spirit.

Truth Confirmed

We all experience times of frustration and seasons of disappointment. In difficult moments, Jesus extends an invitation, “Come to me . . . learn from me . . .” (see Matthew 11:28–29).

Ladies, where will we go, to whom will we turn, when life is hard? Consider this statement: “You will be disappointed by Egypt as you were by Assyria” (Jeremiah 2:36). And, in contrast, “. . . I am the LORD; those who hope in me will not be disappointed” (Isaiah 49:23b).

One month later while reading a book outdoors, I found myself within earshot of a conversation. I did not intend to eavesdrop, but I began to hear a litany of mild complaints sprinkled with sarcastic comments. I was disappointed by what I was hearing. Then I thought, They are sitting in the seat of scoffers! What I am hearing is neither life-giving nor helpful, as I recalled my own struggle with this issue.

The truth God had revealed to me was confirmed. Only He can set me free from disappointment. Only God can free me from the “seat of scoffers.” Thanks be to God! He is able and willing. “So if the Son set you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36).

Jen Vogel

Jen served as national director for Alliance Women from 2015-2023; she serves in a variety of ministry capacities, including on the President's Cabinet for The Alliance. She enjoys reading, travel, and completing the New York Times crossword puzzle daily. Jen and her husband, Doug, attend Dover Avenue Alliance Church in Orange City, Iowa.

Eight Responses to “Set Free from Disappointment”

  1. Well, this hit close to home today, into my heart. I am always thinking of myself, saying I can’t do anything well, I don’t get chosen for special things, and I”m not good at anything. A big pity party. Thank you Jen, for this enlightenment. I do look to others for validation. I must be set free from the seat of scoffers and complaining. I’ll be looking up these verses and meditating on this for a while – trying to get myself to listen to God and be more God honoring.

  2. Wow..thank you Jen for sharing your heartfelt, and encouraging words of God. I was going through frustration and discouragement last month. Thanks to Jesus for setting us free.

  3. Thank you! This morning I woke up in that exact place, in misery in the seat of mockers. Thank you for exposing my own heart issues. I want to be free to serve without baggage weighing down my heart! The Lord is faithful to reveal His kind truth.

    • Sharon – What a joy it is to experience the faithful, loving persistence of our God. Without Him, we would be totally lost! He, indeed, is faithful to reveal His kind truth. Rejoicing with you!

  4. Oh my! Wonderful record of your special encounter with disappointment.
    I cannot even tell you how I have felt over the past days – nothing but hard, sad news – ripping my heart asunder and leaving me so very tired.

    My reaction to one situation was, “Just what I figured.” and that wasn’t right! Thank you for relating the correct way to hear news, opinions, actions that bring such sorrow.
    Love, Janice K

    • Janice – Thank you for the response, including a confession of your own. I am grateful for the way of escape provided for these oh-so-familiar tendencies. God is gracious and faithful!

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