By Aaron Perdue

As a pastor, people ask me how to deal with disappointment the way Jesus taught us to. I want to share with you some of the ways the Bible teaches us to cope with disappointment.

Disappointment is something everyone deals with at different points in their lives. Some people are tempted to blame God or ask why He allows disappointment in their lives, but the truth is that disappointments come when we set our expectations and plans on someone or something other than God. You can be certain that God NEVER disappoints.

The Bible offers many encouraging words to anyone dealing with disappointment. Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit.” When you’re disappointed that your plans failed, try God’s plans: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11). When you surrender your life and plans to God and let Him direct you, that’s a formula for avoiding disappointment.

Are There Any Bible Verses for When You’re Feeling Let Down?

Here are some Bible verses to uplift you when you’re feeling let down. Philippians 4:13 reminds us: “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” In Isaiah 41:10, we discover these words of comfort: “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Another verse to remind you that when you’re down, it won’t last forever is Psalm 30:5, “…Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.”

The Bible also gives us examples of how Jesus responded to more than disappointment; He faced rejection and betrayal from those closest to Him and those He came to save. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught that loving your enemies and deeply praying for those who persecute you are God’s way to respond to rejection and betrayal (Matthew 5:44). Jesus exemplified this when He forgave with His final words on the cross (Luke 23:34).

Evidence of Disappointment and Redemption

Let’s take a look at stories of disappointment and redemption in the Bible. In the Old Testament, Jonah actually shows us an example of disappointment in the wrong thing. After running from God’s call to preach to the Ninevites (Jonah 1–2), he eventually arrived in Nineveh and gave God’s message of destruction if the people didn’t repent (Jonah 3). When they listened to the message and obeyed it, God didn’t send destruction. This disappointed Jonah (Jonah 4). Although he obeyed and gave the message, he wasn’t operating in the same love and forgiveness that God had shown him. Jonah chose disappointment because he focused on his plans and feelings rather than rejoicing in God’s mercy toward others.

Lessons from Peter

Peter was one of the disciples closest to Jesus, yet after Jesus’ arrest, he denied knowing Him. Imagine the disappointment Peter had in himself. Jesus didn’t allow Peter’s disappointment to disqualify him. After Jesus’ resurrection, the angel specifically mentioned to go and get Peter so the Lord could appear to him (Mark 16:7). Later, Jesus redeemed him as the one to feed His sheep (John 21:15–17). Peter chose to rise above his disappointing choice and be the leader of the New Testament Church that God called him to be.

Peter’s life also shows how to trust God when life doesn’t go as planned. You may have made mistakes that disappointed yourself and others, but Jesus can redeem any mistake. The good news is that Jesus can turn our disappointments into growth and redemption when we turn to Him and allow Him to be our Savior.

Welcome to Charis Christian Center

For more on this topic, download the free digital 3-part audio teaching by Dr. Aaron Perdue, “The Master Plan.” Life doesn’t always work out the way you planned it, but I have good news: God has a master plan! No matter what happens in life, God still has a plan, and He cares about you and wants to give you an extraordinary future!

We would love to have you visit Charis Christian Center in person or through our livestream. Weekly services are Sundays at 8:30 am and 10:30 am, and Wednesdays at 7:00 pm.