“They stood still, looking sad.” (Luke 24:17)
“And they worshiped Him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple blessing God.” (Luke 24:52-53)
The disciples in Luke 24 went from deep disappointment and sadness to great joy, because their false expectations were replaced by the truth. Spending time with Jesus healed them from their disillusionment.
Let me mention some important lessons we can learn from their story, in case we too are struck by disappointment with God:
1) Seek the company of fellow believers. Where two or three are gathered in Jesus’ name, there He is among them (Matthew 18:20).
2) Study the Bible and let it correct your expectations.
3) Pour out your heart for the Lord and pray (together with others) that He will open your eyes for the truth.
4) Do not withdraw yourself from God, but seek communion with Him, for example in celebrating the Lord’s Supper.
You are allowed to ask hard questions. Maybe you’ll receive a satisfying answer, maybe you won’t (yet). But do not let your disappointment separate you from the Lord God and from your spiritual brothers and sisters. This will only make things worse.
Have you been disappointed with God, or maybe you still are? How do you respond to this feeling? What can you learn from the experiences of the two disciples in Luke 24?