Destructive disappointment

Wendy July 30, 2017 0 1

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Genesis 29: 20

20 So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, and they seemed to him but a few days because of the love he had for her.

‘I simply can’t build up my hopes on a foundation consisting of confusion, misery, and death. I see the world gradually being turned into a wilderness, I hear the ever approaching thunder, which will destroy us too, I can feel the sufferings of millions and yet, if I look up into the heavens, I think that it will all come right, that this cruelty too will end, and that peace and tranquility will return again.’ -  Anne Frank

Almighty God,

to you all hearts are open

all desires and disappointments known.

You knew Laban's disappointment

as he watched his oldest daughter 

get overlooked for the younger.

You knew Leah's disappointment

dismissed and rejected

for her beautiful younger sister.

You knew Jacob's disappointment

when he awoke next to Leah 

after waiting seven years for Rachel.

You knew Esau's disappointment

when he discovered 

Jacob had stolen his blessing.

And you know our disappointments

those that cause us deep pain

and the hopes that have hardened in our hearts. 

Heal us and help us to place all hope in you

and so avoid the selfish decisions that

set cycles of disappointment in motion.

Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts

by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit

that we may perfectly love you.

Amen

Image: A child watches on in South Sudan (Christian Aid)