Have you faced any disappointment in the last week? The last 24 hours? The last 10 minutes? It is inevitable. Disappointments come.

In the last post I shared with you a few observations from Luke 24 related to the causes of disappointment. Some things never change! (If you missed part 1, click HERE to read.) Thank God, the Bible does not just tell us about our problems – it gives divine solutions. The story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus also offers a cure for disappointment. There is light in the darkness.

The Cure for Disappointment

May I begin by sharing what cannot cure your disappointment…These disciples had already heard from others that the tomb was empty, that angels had appeared, that Christ was risen (vs. 22-24). Yet still the disappointment had not dissipated. Good words from others are not enough. Second hand faith will never suffice. Only a personal communion with Christ can bring the hope, peace, and joy that is needed to see you through.

We deal with disappointment by meditating on Christ.

The first thing Jesus did was to point them to Himself! (v. 27) A fresh look at Christ puts everything in perspective. Worship is the great clarifier. “Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?” (v. 26) We are so consumed with our good that we forget His glory.

We deal with disappointment by looking to the future.

Their thoughts were taken with the past. Christ points them to “his glory.” This is something they cannot yet see! “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). Stop using the microscope of unbelief to identify every little thing that did not go your way! Use the telescope of faith to look off into the future and see the victory that is coming.

We deal with disappointment by spending time in the Scriptures.

Christ opened the Scriptures to them (v. 27, 32). The Scriptures opened their hearts. “Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them” (Psalm 119:165). Nothing brings real help and renewed hope like quiet moments in the Word of God.

We deal with disappointment by communing with the Lord.

It was as they sat at supper with Christ, as they talked, as they prayed that their eyes were opened (v. 30-31). Get alone with God. Pour out your heart to Him. Fellowship with God and you will see everything and everyone differently.

We deal with disappointment by speaking in faith.

Immediately the disciples ran back to Jerusalem. Read for yourself in vs. 33-35 of their breathless, excited testimony to the others! As we share what God is doing in our lives it brings grace both to those who share it and those who hear it.

How does the story end? “As they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you” (v. 36). This is how your story will end too if you will allow your disappointment to drive you nearer to the One who never disappoints.

“Peace be unto you.”

(To read more about dealing with disappointment read: “What If It Doesn’t Turn Out Your Way?“)

About Scott Pauley