Overcoming disappointment

Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past (Isaiah 43:18, NIV)

‘He who has never been disappointed is he who has never hoped’. There are only two things that wait at the end of hope, either joy or disappointment. Every person, no matter how much faith they have or how good a person they are, will face disappointment in one way or another and at one point or another. It may be something simple like not getting that promotion you really hoped for, or not closing that big deal you worked so hard on. Maybe you didn’t qualify for a house you really wanted. Or, it may be something more serious like a relationship not working out, the death of a loved one, or some kind of illness in your body. Whatever it may be, the reality is that we’re all going to suffer some setbacks. But one of the main keys to overcoming disappointments is learning to let go. Holding on to things that could have been and are not can become a burden that can really wear us down and hold us back.

We should also check on how much hope we have in something. If we feel that we have to have it at any cost, then we should examine our inner self. Could this thing be an idol? Are we trying to force God to submit to our requests? And when He doesn’t answer we feel bitter towards Him and feel as though He doesn’t care or He just doesn’t understand. Other times we even hold back from God in prayer, giving and seeking Him when He ‘disappoints’ us. Many times God will hold something back from us if He knows that it will lead us away from Him.

 Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.

 One thing that will never disappoint us is seeking God. The scripture says that those who seek Him with all their hearts will find Him. We’ll never wake up to a bad mood because we sought the face of God. We’ll never be beside ourselves with disappointment because we worshiped God. Sometimes we are tempted to seek God for the benefits that might follow, ‘For those other things’ to be added unto us. We should seek God for who He is, we should learn to bask in His presence. Then and only then, will life’s disappointments not overwhelm us.

 If you feel “stuck” today, it is important for you to examine what you’re holding on to. Be willing let go. Look unto God and not unto ourselves and our numerous wants. Who hurt you? Who wronged you? Release it to God. Do you need to forgive yourself? Do you need to receive God’s forgiveness? Make the choice today to let go so that you can experience the bright future God has in store for you!