How to overcome disappointments?
(The names I use in my writings are not the real names of the women that I coach.)
Dawn’s husband promised her a cruise for their 20th wedding anniversary. The day after their anniversary, her excitement took over and she went out and purchased several new bathing suits. She was sure the cruise could be the best medicine for their strained marriage: time alone, no interruptions, and a romantic destination— her dreams soared.
The following day her husband suggested that their teenagers join them, since they had never cruised. Stunned, Dawn tumbled down the emotional stairs into disappointment.
The next week she fell further and began to berate herself when she learned there wouldn’t be a cruise.
Why did I ever get my hopes up?
Disappointment occurs when our unfulfilled desires, wishes, or expectations are not met. For you, it may be a date, a phone call, or a job possibility that never comes to pass.
We feel disappointment in the crushing pain of returning to reality and the crash of your dreams.
The first question we must ask ourselves is, “Were we living in reality to begin with?”
I coached Dawn using that question. She had mentioned her strained marriage. Did her spouse often come up with ideas that were not carried out? If so, she set herself up for disappointments. (WARNING- Women living in abuse have disappointments OFTEN.)
We must ask- “How long do we allow disappointments to control us?”
Learn to disable the disappointments in life and move on.
I coach women learn to flip the script of disappointments to God’s appointments or His Appointment. He has a plan and timetable.
Back to the Word for emotional healing.
Scripture says, “. . . and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us” (Romans 5:5 NASB).
Bank your life on this Truth. Hope in God does not disappoint because He is faithful to carry out His Word.
Disappointments will occur in our lives. We live in a fallen world, but the depth of the fall can be less painful if we live with a perspective of reality. Be realistic, dear friend, and recall the Truth.
Can you learn not to allow the disappointment crush you?
- Are you stuck in disappointments that are stunting your growth?
- Consider this coaching to examine your disappointment list for a break though! Schedule a time to chat now!
- IF you enjoyed this devotional, it is found in this book. Enable Me, Lord, to Shift, book #3
