Dealing with Disappointment
“Why Lord?”
Each of us has probably asked this question a number of times in our lives. Things don’t always go the way we planned, hoped for, or expected. And then there are times when things go exactly as we anticipated, but the result was discouraging.
When life doesn’t happen like we envisioned, we may become disillusioned. And when life plays out as we imagined, but is less fulfilling than thought, we may become disheartened. The bottom line is … life can be very disappointing. How do we deal with disappointment?
This chart shows how our reaction to disappointment can be negative – unproductive and unhealthy OR our response to disappointment can be positive – productive and healthy. If we face disappointment in our own strength, we will fail; but if we face it in the power of the Holy Spirit, we can grow and mature in our faith and character. Which will you choose?
NEGATIVELY – Instead of … POSITIVELY – Be …
Anger……………………………………………………. Calm
Blaming…………………………………………………. Accepting
Complaining………………………………………….. Confident
Despairing…………………………………………….. Hopeful
Exaggerating………………………………………….. Realistic
Flight…………………………………………………….. Present
Giving up……………………………………………….. Determined
Hiding…………………………………………………… Engaged
Isolating………………………………………………… In community
Just quiet………………………………………………. Prayerful
© 2023 Steven A. Lake
Dr. Steve Lake is a retired educator with over 30 years experience in the American public schools. He has served in a variety of position, including teacher, elementary school principal, junior high principal, Associate Superintendent, retired from public education as Superintendent of Schools in Lincolnwood, IL. He has his Bachelors, Masters and Doctor of Education degrees from Northern Illinois University. For the past 25 years Steve has attended and been a member of Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington and Northfield, IL. At Willow Creek Steve has taught adult classes on spiritual gifts, life purpose, and spiritual disciplines. He has ministered overseas in Angola, Zambia, Honduras, Germany, and Russia. Steve is co-founder of Designed to Serve, a ministry that equips Christians to live out their unique God-given calling. Steve is married and has two adult children who are married.
