When the Honeymoon is Over
When the honeymoon is over, and discouragement sets in.
It’s been 20 days since the first stay-at-home order was issued in Minnesota; maybe longer for you depending on what state you live in. It’s necessary and my family is following the guidelines, but as I am listening to people and watching the social media posts, I am hearing and sensing the rumblings of disappointed hearts.
Disappointment
The honeymoon period is over – the phase when “life is good”. And now a new reality sinks in and with it comes disappointments in the things we are missing because of the restrictions.
The beginning of everything is the easy part.
- When you start a new job it’s new and exciting for a season, and then it becomes work.
- When you get married your spouse is “perfect”, but then you discover their bad habits and lack of communication skills.
- When you move into a new home you love everything about it, until the first appliance breaks down and you notice the stain in the carpet.
- When you are compliant with the national and state orders to stay-at-home, you realize there are many new benefits of this lifestyle, but then. . .
- You can’t hold that baby shower for your new grandchild arriving soon.
- Your senior is devastated at missing her final softball season and you are wondering what will happen with graduation.
- Your kids finish their online school by 10 a.m. and then what?!
- You are exhausted.
- You just want to go out for lunch – by yourself, with a good book.
- You miss that sister weekend you had planned for months.
What do you do with disappointment?
So then, my soul, why would you be depressed? Why would you sink into despair? Day and night my tears keep falling and my heart keeps crying for your help while my enemies mock me over and over, saying: Where is this God of yours? Why doesn’t he help you?
Psalm 42:5, 3 TPT
1. Just Be Real
This Psalm, written by David, is an honest, snot-filled ugly, highly emotional cry out to God. And that’s what you need to do too!
Honest. Snot-filled Ugly. Emotional Cry to God.
Just be real. Be honest about how you are feeling and the ways you are disappointed. God already knows it – so just say it out loud.
1 Peter 5:7a tells you to cast all worries and anxiety upon God. How do you picture that happening: a nice, proper, well-thought out, unemotional conversation with God?
NOT!
To cast means to throw – and friend, that’s what I want you to do. Throw the disappointment, the anger, the frustration, and the exhaustion into God’s lap and leave it there.
Pour out all your worries and stress upon him and leave them there, for he always tenderly cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7 TPT
That is David’s pattern in the Psalms: he throws all his angst at God, has a good cry, and then begins to remember the goodness and faithfulness of his Father, his Good Shepherd.
2. Speak to Your Heart
Listen to David’s Psalm as I use The Passion Translation mixed with my paraphrase:
- I speak over my heartbroken soul: Take courage . . .
- I will just keep hoping and waiting on God, my Savior. For no matter what, I will still sing with praise.
- I will remember God as I ponder the place where his glory streams down from the mighty mountains of His awesome presence.
- My deep need calls out to the deep kindness of God’s love.
- All day long God’s promises of love pour over me. Through the night I sing his songs, for my prayer to God has become my life.
- I will say to God: You are my mountain of strength. I know my God will break through for me.
- I have plenty of reasons to praise him over and over again. Yes, living before his face is my saving grace!
Take courage friend! Be honest in your cry to God, but then remember His goodness, and receive His hope.
