DEALING WITH DISAPPOINTMENT:
How to Know Joy When Life Doesn’t Feel Great
By John Hindley
The Good Book Company. 141 pages. £7.99
ISBN 978 1 784 981 204
What disappoints you? This short, chatty book looks at why we are disappointed (it’s a fallen world, we are sinful people), what we are disappointed in (ourselves, ministry, situation) and what to do about it (true perspective, thankfulness and a focus on Christ’s return). It is simple, direct and kind.
Some challenge is necessary: we have unrealistic expectations; we are ungrateful; we are selfish. When we moan about our lot we are disappointed with God – and that’s serious. Hindley draws lessons from Jeremiah where the people of Israel forsake the LORD and dig their own (broken) cisterns, and from Asaph (Psalm 73). The admonishment is telling, but delivered with gentle, self-deprecating humour. Such fellow-feeling takes a surer aim than much finger-wagging.
Generosity of spirit
Sometimes the author uses disappointment as a synonym for grief, sadness or dissatisfaction: he did not convince me that God feels disappointed with the world or even that Jesus was disappointed at the tomb of Lazarus. Despite the given definition (expecting satisfaction and having it denied) I still feel there is an element of hurt and surprise in disappointment which is hard to reconcile with the sovereignty of God.
Readers will appreciate the author’s generosity of spirit, friendly style and enthusiasm. I especially liked his insights as to when disappointment is right and proper and the stirring appeal to transform our home-groups (read it and see!). The main thrust of the book is to point Christians to Christ, his deity, his return and his Heaven. How wonderful to be reminded that the eternal perspective transforms everything.
Top marks to Ben Woodcraft for a great cover design. Likewise to John Hindley for an easy read, digestible and fortifying. Does the author have a middle name? I suggest Barnabas (son of encouragement).
