Disappointment is inevitable, it is bound to happen or experienced at some point or the other.
Disappointment according to google, is sadness or displeasure caused by the non fulfillment of one’s hopes or expectations.. It comes out of frustration; example of disappointment: you prepare for an interview, did well at it, believed you got the job but was later told you were not shortlisted. OR you gave your time and effort in a relationship, hoping that it would be lasting, however it didn’t work out. Disappointment is shattered hope. The scripture says in 1 Peter 5:7 to cast your cares on Jesus because He cares for you. If as people, we don’t learn the art of bringing all our situations and circumstances to the Lord and believe that out of his love and care for us, He will work them all out for our good. We will find ourselves in a place of sadness, displeasure and broken heartedness.
We experience disappointment differently, some of us it’s that low feeling of sadness deep down in the stomach. For others, it’s a sense of failure, others its regret and still for others it is hopelessness. Disappointment is rooted in hope and beliefs about how a particular thing should be. It’s expecting a specific result from a situation sometimes based on the time and effort exerted. It highlights where you are and what your values and desires are. It compels change and growth and encourages emotional resilience.
Two notable points are: (1) Psalm 34:18 tells us that ‘The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.’ God sees your pain and He’s near. His strength can be reached. (2) Romans 5:3-5 points out that ‘We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance character and character hope. And hope does not put us to shame.’ Disappointment grows our character, if we let it, and leads us to a deeper hope that is not based only on circumstances.
As we navigate disappointments, the following is necessary:
- Be clear about how you feel. Own it. Psalm 62:8 – ‘pour out your heart to Him, for God is our refuge.’ God wants us to be authentic. Talk to and with Him honestly about how you feel. Admit how the situation and or circumstance allow you to feel.
- Find out the cause. Ask yourself if the plan you had, failed. Were my desires met? Was my hope misplaced? I’m i trusting that all things will work together for my good (unanswered prayer). Talk yourself through it.
- Take it to the Lord. Don’t allow your feelings to pull you away from God.
In concluding, Romans 8:28 tells us that ‘all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.’ Even our disappointments can be used by God for a greater purpose.
God’s speed.
Leave a comment