Ten Ways to Face and Overcome Disappointment

Photo Credit: Creative Commons

Disappointment is inevitable but no fun. 

Recently I, along with many other people, faced a real disappointment when the multilevel marketing company we were affiliates for (Zeek) closed its doors under a S.E.C. and Attorney General investigation.

Cumulatively millions of dollars were lost by everyday  people in what has turned out to be a "Ponzi scheme".

Some people were depending on the income this company "promised" to live off of. Some people had dreams of one day quitting the nine to five and changing their lives.

No matter what level of affiliate, small or large, I can say today we all face some serious disappointment.

There are people who have left bitter, angry video responses to the CEO of the company. There have been fear laced messages left on blogs and message boards, and the Attorney General's voice mail cannot keep up with the calls.

I am not telling you this because I want sympathy, or because I need you to tell me better ways to invest or spend my money. I am telling you this because I want you to understand I know what disappointment is and I can honestly and without apology say this: our response to disappointment matters.

Disappointment can create emotional and mental wounds.

So many times when we become emotional we also become doubtful. We lose focus on God and begin to look at the disappointment as the controlling defining moment in our lives. The problem with responding to disappointment emotionally is that unchecked emotions have a way of building up like a snow ball rolling down hill. The bigger our ball of emotions get, the less focused we are on God and the more self focused we become.

God is our source. 

God is called many names in the Bible: Jehovah Nissi (our God is our Banner) and Jehovah Jireh (our God is our Provider). There is nothing too big in your life that He cannot cover and nothing too small for Him to care about. He cares for you.

Paul was beaten, shipwrecked, and put on trial, yet still he said this:

"We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God—those whom he has called according to his plan." Romans 8:28 (emphasis mine) 

If Paul, who counted it all joy to suffer like Christ, can say this, then how can I complain about a little disappointment?

Yeah, but? 

If you are thinking, 'yeah, I know, but how do you get past feeling this way?' I understand. I have been there. Even Joyce Meyer and Joel Osteen have been there.

If you are human (and I am betting you are) then you have faced disappointment and now you need to learn to get past it and press on to the next thing God has for you.

Here are a ten practical and spiritual things to remember when faced with disappointment:

1. Everything in your life, the good and the bad affect who you are as a person. Only the things you give to God to change and work through glorify Him. 
2. The psalmist said "I have never seen the righteous forsaken or His seed begging bread." God takes care of His kids. 
3. When we give everything to God, He gives back. Pressed down, shaken together, running over.
4. Doubts and fear will come. Meet them at the door with Jesus and they will flee! 
5. God gives peace that passes understanding. He can quiet the roaring in your heart and the buzzing cacophony in your head. Just ask Him to. 
6. You were bought with a price so precious (Christ's life) that there is no return policy. God will not abandon you now just because your circumstances got difficult and messy. 
7.  This too shall pass. It may sound trite, but it is true. 
8. God's mercy is new every morning. 
9. Joy comes in the morning. (When you wake up!) 
10. You are not alone. Find someone you trust and admire and share with them your heartache. Sometimes we need good and Godly council. 

Join the Conversation: 

Can you share with us your story of disappointment? How did you get through it? Leave your comment below. (Just click on "comments". (If you do not see a way to leave a comment, you may be using Explorer, try Firefox or Google Plus to get a better view)

Like what you see here? More great content is available several times a week, but I understand how busy you are. That is why I offer a free newsletter that sends you an email of the same great content straight to your inbox! You won't have to worry about missing a thing. I will never share your information with anyone, and if you sign up today, you can get a free copy of my children's eBook The Gardener and the Sapling: A Modern Parable.  Click the link below and subscribe now! 

Subscribe to our newsletter