Disappointment is inevitable in our life. It comes in different shapes and sizes. In my opinion, disappointment is the result of having a high expectation of someone or the outcome of a situation. For example, when we apply for a position, we may have a high expectation that we will be hired. But we may face disappointment when someone else got the job. Another example, parents, in general, have a high expectation of their children. But when the children did not deliver what the parents expected, then disappointment kicks in.
So how do we handle disappointment?
1. Set realistic expectations. Let’s say you applied for a position; it is good to believe that you have all the qualifications and will get the job. But because you don’t know who else applied for the position, you cannot have 100% expectation that you will get the job.
Going back to the parent situation, you may have a high expectation that your child will get straight A’s every single academic year. Yes, there are some children who will accomplish that. But there will also be some children who will not. As parents, you need to take a look at each child and make the assessment. And if a child did not get all straight A’s, it is okay. Work with that child and as long as the child does his/her best, that’s all that matters.
2. Give thanks to the Lord. Sometimes the hardest thing to do at times of disappointment is to give thanks to the Lord. Thank the Lord for all the good things He has given you. Thank Jesus for dying on the cross that we may have eternal life. Thank the Lord for His provision. There are so many things we can thank the Lord.
3. Sing praises to the Lord. If a song doesn’t come to mind, go to Psalms in the Bible and read all the Scriptures that praise the Lord. Let me get you started.
Psalms 7:17 (KJV) — I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high.
Psalms 8:9 (KJV) — O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!
Psalms 9:2 (KJV) — I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High.
And you can continue with Psalms and read aloud the Scriptures that give praise to the Lord.
4. Meditate on the following Scriptures:
Hebrews 12:2 (BSB) — Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God
Romans 8:28 (ESV) — And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) — 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.
Psalm 42:11 (NASB) — Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT) — Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.
