Handling Disappointment

If you are alive in today’s world, then you understand disappointment. Disappointment is a fact of everyday life. From personal relationships, friends, family, work, society, disappointment is everywhere. The one consistent we can have when handling disappointment is found in God’s word. God is not surprised by any disappointment we may go through.

Handling disappointment can be challenging, but here are several principles and practices to help believers get through it all.

Trust in God's Plan: 

Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

·      These verses encourage believers to trust that God has a purpose and plan, even when things don't go as expected.

·      Pray and Seek God's Strength:

Philippians 4:6-7: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

·      Prayer is a powerful tool for finding peace and strength amidst disappointment.

Find Comfort in Scripture:

Romans 15:4: "For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope."

·      The Bible offers numerous examples of individuals who faced and overcame disappointment, providing encouragement and hope.

Maintain Hope and Perseverance:

Romans 5:3-5: "Not only so, but 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, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us."

·      Developing perseverance through trials leads to character and hope, which are essential for handling disappointment.

Focus on God's Faithfulness:

·      Lamentations 3:22-23: "Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."

·      Remembering God's past faithfulness can provide reassurance during times of disappointment.

Seek Support from the Faith Community:

·     Galatians 6:2: "Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."

·      Sharing struggles with fellow believers can provide support, encouragement, and practical help.

 Rejoice and Give Thanks:

 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."

A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that individuals who regularly practiced gratitude reported higher levels of positive emotions and life satisfaction and lower levels of depression and stress.

Gratitude was shown to enhance well-being by fostering a sense of contentment and appreciation for life’s blessings, even amidst difficulties.