I have been disappointed numerous times these last few months, anywhere from family relationships becoming difficult and strained, not being what I need them to be to gaining weight even though I am an avid runner and tend to eat pretty healthy.
I have wondered and even questioned God on a few of my disappointments, ‘God, why did you allow this to happen, again!” I can admit that perhaps I have felt a little disappointed with God. I try and live my life pleasing to the Lord and I have a healthy fear of God, sometimes I think,” That should give me a pass from experiencing pain.”
When you experience a series of disappointments over a short period, the disappointments can weigh heavy on your mind. Negative thinking can ensue as a result and you can think defeated thoughts like, “Nothing ever works out or “This always happens to me.”
It is wonderful to have hopes and dreams, but when your hopes and dreams are dependent on people or your circumstances working out the way you would like you will be disappointed.
What do you do when disappointments threaten to rob you of experiencing hope again?
1. Take some time and experience the pain of your disappointment. Don’t pretend it did not bother you or push it away. Deal with the hurt surrounding your disappointment.
2. Step into reality and ask yourself is it that bad? Many times, we want what we want, but when we get it, we find we do not want it after all.
3. Don’t stew over your disappointments, otherwise discouragement can develop into depression. If you feel hopeless that things will get better, you have crossed over into depression.
4. After you deal with your disappointment, don’t ruminate over what might have been or could have been.
5. Focus on what is right and good in your life and keep a daily gratitude journal. Change your focus from disappointment to what is going right.
6. Expectations can lead to disappointment, so adjust your expectations. Your hopes cannot be on your children, your family, your finances, or your career.
7. Discipline your mind by taking those negative thoughts captive that can accompany discouragement by replacing them with the truth of God’s Word and faith-filled thoughts.
This is an updated edition of a post originally published on Stephanie Reck
Featured Image by Joe from Pixabay
