Disappointed

Disappointments. We all face them.

Some seasons seem full of disappointments. At least that is what it has felt like for me. It’s been one disappointment after another. The book process was very disappointing. Most everyone I worked with let me down. Deadline after deadline was missed. Work was not up to par. What was promised, was not fulfilled. Every obstacle that I could have faced, I faced. I had close to 100 people tell me they would help market and most didn’t fulfill their commitment. And what about my closest friends who didn’t even acknowledge the book or didn’t buy one either? They didn’t owe me anything, but it still left me disappointed.

And the reality that I am still waiting? That is disappointing too. Friends are popping out babies left and right and I am still waiting. 4.5 years of waiting and waiting. It’s disappointing.

And the election? Dare I even bring up all the chaos that has happened with the election. Half the country is disappointed, which many don’t realize, but happens every 4 years. Protests are happening. Name calling is taking place. Ugliness has ensued. I know so many are disappointed and honestly I am disappointed in how people are responding.

Clearly I am not the only one who has faced disappointments. Maybe it’s just a situation here or there, but sometimes it feels more like a constant state of mind. And, I realize that yes, I have been the one to let others down. I am sure it happens way more often than I realize. I know I have come up short many times and disappointed those around me.

In the middle of the book craziness including both stress and tears, you want to know what the Lord told me? That when I put my hope in other things or people, I will be disappointed.

Ugh.

Isn’t that the truth? People are always going to disappoint you, including your spouse, best friends, or closest family members. The president-elect, whether you voted for him or not, will disappoint you. Your co-workers will disappoint you. Airlines will disappoint you. Being sick on an important day will disappoint you. God not healing a loved one will most definitely disappoint you.

So why do you think people grow angry? Why do you think hurtful words are exchanged between friends? Why do you think people blame God? Why do you think people are protesting over Trump winning? Why do you think I became frustrated with so many people throughout the book process?

When hope or faith or trust or anything is placed in people, disappointment happens.

But hope in Christ?

“Hope does not disappoint.” Romans 5:5

Hope in Christ will never, ever disappoint.

If your hope is in anything besides God, don’t be surprised if you face disappointment. I know I am not the only one currently wrestling with this idea, so if this is also you, I wanted to re-share this post on how to overcome disappointment and the second on being unoffendable. Join me in asking for forgiveness and removing all expectations from other people and instead putting all hope in God, the only one who cannot and will not disappoint you.