Disillusionment means having no more misconceptions, false impressions, and false judgments in life; it means being free from these deceptions. However, though no longer deceived, our experience of disillusionment may actually leave us cynical and overly critical in our judgment of others. But the disillusionment that comes from God brings us to the point where we see people as they really are, yet without any cynicism or any stinging and bitter criticism. Many of the things in life that inflict the greatest injury, grief, or pain, stem from the fact that we suffer from illusions. We are not true to one another as facts, seeing each other as we really are; we are only true to our misconceived ideas of one another. According to our thinking, everything is either delightful and good, or it is evil, malicious, and cowardly.

Refusing to be disillusioned is the cause of much of the suffering of human life. And this is how that suffering happens— if we love someone, but do not love God, we demand total perfection and righteousness from that person, and when we do not get it we become cruel and vindictive; yet we are demanding of a human being something which he or she cannot possibly give. There is only one Being who can completely satisfy to the absolute depth of the hurting human heart, and that is the Lord Jesus Christ. Our Lord is so obviously uncompromising with regard to every human relationship because He knows that every relationship that is not based on faithfulness to Himself will end in disaster. Our Lord trusted no one, and never placed His faith in people, yet He was never suspicious or bitter. Our Lord’s confidence in God, and in what God’s grace could do for anyone, was so perfect that He never despaired, never giving up hope for any person. If our trust is placed in human beings, we will end up despairing of everyone.

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Journal Entry for Today-JDV

July 30, 2010

I am often disillusioned with others when they fail to meet my expectations. But then I am often disillusioned with myself as well. I suspect that if I fail over and over, and God has the love and grace to forgive me, then it is only right and proper that I understand others are going through the same kinds of trials. It also occurs to me that I can still love someone and be disappointed by their failure to meet my expectations. When people fail me I should not be surprised. I often fail them and I often fail God.

And God says….”I cannot look at your failure. I cannot look at unrighteousness. That is why Jesus came so we could be reconciled. Not in a single event, as when you first believed, but every day, every hour and every minute. When you let Jesus live through you, by letting go of your own sense of well being, and self righteousness, Jesus can live through you, and we can have an intimate day to day relationship.”

“When you hold onto your own ideas of what is right and wrong, who and what should be judged, Jesus cannot live through you, and we cannot have an intimate relationship. When you judge your brother, or even yourself, you are in effect saying that the sacrifice of Jesus cannot and does not cover everyone.”

“Let Jesus cover you and access the grace of Jesus to extend to others. When others disappoint you, remember the grace given you, and allow it to flow on through. Your capacity to love will be multiplied and will surround you.”

DJR Journal

Thanks Lord, I needed that.  I am so good at gaining this understanding and then losing it and taking things back… which included feeling disillusioned and like I am not getting my “rights”     Will I ever get to the place where I dont backslide into entitlement and feeling disillusioned.

You will get better but perfection is on this side.   Keep seeking me and set built in reminders in your schedule… to remind yourself to be grateful.  That is what the alters and monuments were for in the old days.

OK,  that’s what this is with JD right?

Right, this is good AND you need more.

What Kind? When? How?

As you know, cookie cutter recipes go only so far.    The main thing is stay in the context of gratefulness and expectation and I will lead you