These encouraging Bible verses will help you to overcome disappointment through the words and truths of the Lord God and Jesus Christ. The Scriptures will comfort your heart when you're disappointed and bring faith, hope, and strength to your spirit.
I am not a born optimist, but then, I don't think anyone really is.
Despite appearances, I do not naturally see the good in people or in situations. My heart hides snarky cynicism and crushing depression, fragile insecurity and paralyzing anxiety. I have to work (harder than you think) at being pleasant and cheerful and uplifting.
I fail.
It is 12:52 am.
I am alone in a dark, quiet house. Isn't this every mothers' dream? Peace and quiet and time for reflection?
The rest of my family is enjoying a planned weekend away. I, too, had weekend plans, cancelled against my wishes at the last minute.
My heart is so heavy, burdened with the loss of encouragement and refreshment and friendship the weekend promised.
My limbs should be splayed out in the middle of my empty bed, and I should be deep in sleep.
About ten minutes ago, words I read in a Skype chat almost three weeks ago jolted me awake. My eyes flung open, and I jumped out of bed.
You should write about dealing with disappointment, she typed.
I can't, I argued. There are too many disappointments in my life right now (little did I know what was on the horizon!). It's just too close to home.
I don't remember what she said next, whether it was something like That's why you should write about it, or Do it when you're ready, or maybe nothing at all. I hadn't thought about the conversation another second until it woke me up in the middle of the night.
Disappointment (noun): the feeling of sadness or displeasure caused by the defeat of one's hopes or expectations
The disappointments in my life have been many.
The selfish, immature part of me wants to lay them all out before you, as if your kindness and pity would make them go away. They won't.
Our circumstances are different, yours and mine, but we both have them. Yours are as real and crushing and painful to you as mine are to me, and they linger, needling our hearts, despite our best intentions to leave them behind.
13 Bible Verses to Overcome Disappointment
- Believe in God's plan. Our God is a miracle worker. He can part waters, move boulders, heal the dead (not just the sick, remember, the dead), save, destroy, bless, and curse. He can do anything, everything, things beyond our comprehension. He has done, all throughout history, for Christians all over the world.
"My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts," says the Lord. "And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts." -Isaiah 55:8-9
When I say you have to believe, I mean you have to believe that God has got this thing in His hands. He is looking out for you. He is working out a plan that is bigger than you, and you are going to be better for it in the end.
"For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." -Jeremiah 29:11
Sometimes, it takes a painful disappointment to teach us a skill or strengthen our faith or to put us in the right place at the right time. We don't know His ways or His thoughts. We just have to believe in His promise.
- Grieve. Things have not gone the way you wanted. Your hopes and expectations have been defeated. You need to spend some quiet time being sad, mourning the way you thought things would be.
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. -Psalm 34:18
Cry. Exercise. Read. Do whatever it is that releases the sadness, the disappointment, the defeat, the suffering.
And then, eventually, you have to stop grieving and move on.Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning. -Psalm 30:5
Disappointment is not meant to define you, my friend. It is not meant to hold you hostage or weigh you down into the mire of depression. Don't give it that power.
- Pray. You had to know this was coming, right? Spend some time talking to your Heavenly Father. Tell Him your heartache. Tell Him about the plans you had and ask Him to show you why He's taken them away. I promise you that He has good in this for you, and it's okay to ask Him what that good is.
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28
Talk to Him like you'd talk to your best friend. Your prayer doesn't have to be pretty or sound like one at your church. It just has to be honest and come from your heart.
Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall. -Psalm 55:22
You, my friend, are the godly. You are chasing after God, trying to do the right thing, seeking a better understanding of Him. Aren't you? He's talking about you.
Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. -Philippians 4:6-7
- Listen and wait. Big things happen when we pray. Sometimes, they are blessings beyond our expectations.
But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. -Matthew 6:6
Sometimes they happen right away, but usually they happen later when we least expect them. Keep waiting in God's love and grace. You'll know when your prayer has been answered.
Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord. -Psalms 27:14
- Search for the good. This is a miserable time to try to be thankful. I don't know about you, but all I want to do is wallow in self pity of my dreams deferred (or dreams lost). This is the time when it's hardest - and most important - to find the good, grab onto it with both hands, and celebrate it. You need to find a new perspective and praise the One who created all the good in the world.
This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. -Psalm 118:24
In beginning this post in the middle of the night, I came to understand that it wouldn't have happened if my plans had worked out. I wouldn't have been sleeping fitfully. I wouldn't have jumped out of bed to write these words. It was God's plan for me to write these words. (It has been an incredibly soothing and cathartic process). It is also His plan for you to be reading them right now. I am thankful that He chose me.
Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:19b-20
- Believe in yourself. You too are part of God's great plan. He is preparing you to do His work right now, even in this time of disappointment. No matter what burden comes, know that He will help you stand underneath it, carry it up the hill, and triumph over it in the end.*
Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. -Isaiah 40:28-31
God believes in you. You may not feel equipped to handle this on your own, but He'll give you what you need to get through it.
For I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength. -Philippians 4:13
*The triumph doesn't always happen when we think it should. Sometimes, we only triumph over our struggles as we leave this broken world. A conversation I had with my pastor illustrates this point:
"Tara, God will heal her."
"I just don't know that He will. She is so sick. She hardly gets out of bed."
"He is going to heal her. He might heal her body now, or He might heal her soul in heaven, but you can trust Him to heal her."
Wow. The simplicity and immensity of that statement left me with many tears but complete peace. We can trust Him to defeat our disappointment, no matter what it is.
Get these Bible verses on overcoming disappointment in a convenient black and white printable below. You can work on memorizing and meditating on them, one at a time.
If you need help with a system for memorizing verses, check out this post on our family's memorization habit.
Megan thomas says
im 18 years old ive recently gave my life to god , and I find myself running from so much sin, I have to remind myself that that I can be young saved and happy , ive been struggling with some things my whole life and they're getting better , its very hard for me to keep faith sometimes ,but I pray and ask god to forgive me for doubting him and losing faith at times. I love god and everything he has done for me.
Sarah says
"It was God's plan for me to write these words... It is also His plan for you to be reading them right now. I am thankful that He chose me."
Thank you. I am going through a difficult period, filled with lots of disappoint, heartache, and uncertainty. Without a doubt, it was God's plan for you to write this blog, and I hope you know and take comfort in how many you have given hope to.
Theresa says
God bless your obedience, I am truely thankful.
Michelle says
Hello Tara. I googled "scriptures for dealing with disappointments".. I came to your words and I thank God for them. What really got to me was when you said if you hadn't experienced your disappointment then you wouldn't have written this and I wouldn't have been able to read it tonight. Only God can use something so hurtful for His purpose and use if to bring people like me comfort. Every word you wrote was EXACTLY what I needed right at this moment. I hope you get this message so you can see God still using you. God bless you.
Karin Taylor says
Thank you so much for hearing Him when he told you to write this! I was looking for inspirational words when I found this. I have been so sad, lonely, and disappointed with things. This was exactly what I needed to read! God bless you!
tamara ramsey says
I was having a difficult time tonight dealing with my son's heartache and disappointment in learning that he had dropped from first string left guard to fourth string tight end in a day. As I sit here trying to understand why college coaches string kids along only to quickly shatter their hopes, I am trying to come to terms that there is a much bigger plan for him. Although my son and I may not see what God has in store for him, I can only put my trust in him knowing that it is what's best for him. Thank you for reminding me that even though I may not understand the reason, God is always in control and for that I am forever grateful.
christi says
Thank you for listening and writing these words. I am going through a divorce which I am.ok with bit I am struggling with being bale to provide for my 3 children. I am on the process of looking for a job and I have felt so defeated and alone. I have applied for about 30 jobs and only 2 interviews and still no job. I know God has a plan and it will be in his time.....just praying his time will be soon. I wallowed all after noon so now it's time to finish it up and praise God for all I have and the plan he will be bringing to me.
Cathy Zubrod says
Thank you for this! I too found it from a Google search for scripture readings on disappointment. You words were very healing. We have been in a very challenging season for several years now, and I frequently wonder when/if it will ever end. I try to stay positive, and remind myself that if not for these hard times, I might never have deepened my faith and truly entered into the relationship with Jesus I now have. Our Pastor recently did a sermon on how just like farmers, God grows good things in the valleys, not the mountain tops (even though the mountain tops seem like much more fun places to be!) Nevertheless, it is still hard - some days more than others. I do believe your words were anointed by the Holy Spirit! I pray for the healing and peace of us all!
Lindsay says
Thanks so much. My disappointment didn't seem like a "big deal" but I just couldn't get over it and this has helped.
amy says
Thank you so much! I had a rough few days and this helped me to realize that I need to practice patience while waiting to hear God's answer. I need to believe in his plan and his timing rather than my own.
Jess says
I needed this so badly. Right this very moment I needed it. It is coming across things like this at the right time that let me know God is here and he cares even about little foolish disappointed me. Thank you for writing.
Shannon says
I noticed you wrote this over a year ago and it still is bringing help to so many people. I needed to read this just now. I am usually the upbeat and positive person but lately (even just 30 minutes ago) I have been facing disappointment and questioning God's ways. I just found out my 21 year old niece is pregnant with her 3rd child in 3 years. I'm thrilled for her but I also am heartbroken because my husband and I have been told I can't have children. We are in the process of adoption but it's still disappointing to read of all the baby news and birth announcements. I know God is in control and will continue to keep my eyes on Him but it does seem hard when life seems to go so well for some and for others it's a struggle with everything. Anyway, thank you for your post and for sharing your heart and God's word. It was much needed!
Taylor says
Thank you so much for this post. I'm glad God chose you to write these words and glad He lead me to read them.
Jay says
Thank you so much for this writeup. I just went through the 2nd shocker of my life this year.. First was finding out my fiance was cheating and now I just got bad news from a job I was hoping to get. I have been very confued for about 3days now, where do I go? What do i do? I have been out of a job for so long, i am deep in debt, I cannot even feed myself.. But after reading this, I am see light at the end of tunnel..
Someday, this will all make sense. God is able!
Angelina says
Hi! Just wanted to say I really needed to hear this! Its tough to go through disappointment but we have our Lord who is the God of all comforts! Blessed be His name! Disappointment hit me today in a way I didn't expect but I choose forgiveness joy and hopein the Lord amidst the pain! Thank you for this post! Blessings!
AngieB says
God knew I would seek out scriptures etc pertaining to a defeat (or curve ball I was thrown today)...thank you for sharing these relevant scriptures and reassuring words. All of this is confirmation that God has me in the palm if his hand. Man may feel they have received a big victory today, but your words (and the scriptures) you have shared have assured me that God does care for me despite it all. Continue to be encouraged as I strive to attain peace in my spirit
Lakeita says
Thank you so much I really needed this..May GOD continue to Bless you!!
Andrew Burgon says
I think of disappointment as a black , oval device. It often has an "empowerment or motivational" switch on it. Sometimes it's hidden behind an almost undetectable panel but it's there. Case in point, the very disappointing exit from my last job. The dark bitter icing on the cake was the $26 pen and small leather pouch I was given for 17 years of service in which I distinguished myself. Out of my disappointment and disgust I thought, "From now on I will work for myself full-time and others part-time." That thought has become my personal anthem and it helps propel me in the new direction I'm going in. The pen and the leather pouch (which I put things related to my business venture in) highly motivate me. I feel like I'm riding a dark, spirited thoroughbred out of a very disappointing situation to a much better one. Thanks for your post.
Jamie says
Thank you for sharing these words. It has helped me so much tonight dealing with a great dissapointment. I know my Father has a greater plan.
Sharath says
Thank you so much for this blog. Indeed God is speaking to me through this blog, when currently i am in a state of confusion and disappointment of shattered dreams. I prayed for something for almost 3 years and God said NO.
Jai says
Hello, it's 5:08 a.m. of Nov. 21, 2014. I woke up today with God's scriptures. I heard two church leaders preaching about God's commandments for married people. Then I found myself searching for Bible verses on the internet. You are right. God chose you to write these and God wants me to LISTENto him through you. Thanks a lot. I have a lot of disappointments lately. I will keep in mind all these and I will also pray for you and your family. God bless you. <3
Mark says
It's amazing how God can take a seemingly difficult situation and our disappointments and use it for His glory. Your pain and sadness became comfort for many people including myself. For I have been feeling great disappointment lately, especially this evening. That's how I came across your blog while searching for answers. It made me think about the Apostle Paul. Not only did he reach many people for Christ, but he also penned most of his letters while being imprisoned. A passage of scripture to encourage you who may be suffering as I am..."Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." (2 Corinthians 4:16-18). God bless.
Georgia says
Dear Tara,
Thank you for popping up when I searched for dealing with disappointment biblically. It's 12:35 am and I'm sad that I've spent two days in the kitchen preparing Thanksgiving Dinner for my family, including three teens (2 boys....19 and 17 and one girl...13), and I've have felt pretty lonely and unappreciated. It's the first time in 15 years hosting Thanksgiving. In general, I live with an overwhelming sense of disappointment in myself, even though I know in my heart my Heavenly Father just loves me like I am and certainly doesn't continually measure me. But, tonight I'm very disappointed thinking it was me as a mom that didn't teach my kids to help around the house and be excited about the dinner. Probably sounds silly, but now that I'm 50, I'm okay with telling the truth. And that's just the truth. Always thinking it's fully on my shoulders to train up my kids, despite roadblocks and other challenges we face. I know God is always with me and loves my kids even more than I love them.
It's late and really....I just wanted to say 'thank you' for sharing your heart. It's good to know I'm not alone. This is the first time I've ever posted anything on a blog, and it's been a great release and provision of comfort. God is good. I am so very thankful.
happy thanksgiving!
Georgia
Cindy says
I am sad. My daughter has been suffering from a traumatic experience, and I know it's Satan. She isn't a believer right now and feels so distraught. Her choices were not anything I expected or hoped for for her. I needed to get this out to a faceless person who would hear me. I'm so sad.
THE OLD MICK says
I wonder if this is my Cindy,or at least at one time she was.I have great joy in my heart for her and if in fact this is my Cindy I am sad to hear about her daughter. I know of no other person better to be in her daughters corner than her.She is a GODLY woman.Wouldn't it be wonderful if in fact this was my Cindy.
THE OLD MICK says
It would simply be a miracle
Dennis says
Two things to do so as to live victoriously in this broken world: trust God and believe His word in the face of dissapointment!
Joy says
Wow, this is truly amazing. These verses helped me so much and gave me a lot of peace. I am a senior in high school, and this summer God changed my life by giving me the opportunity to go on a mission trip to the Philippines. Upon coming back, I felt such a strong calling to be a missionary. I had never felt so strongly about anything in life. I prayed about it extensively and felt like God was calling me to take a Gap Year instead of going straight to college. I would live out of the country for 9 months, giving that year up to God and letting Him speak to me and show me where He specifically wants to serve him. Just a few days ago, God closed that door. So im not going on a mission trip next year. I have to apply to college now and completely change everything of how I think of my future and next year. I have never been more disappointed and honestly angry at God. I dont understand why he said no to that, but I'm trying to have faith that even greater things are in store for me.
Thank you so much for those verses. God Bless.
Megan says
I just read this post last Monday night (December 1st) after searching "What does God say to do when I'm disappointed?" online. I just want to say a quick thank you for your insightful thoughts and comments about disappointment, along with the inspiring Bible verses you chose to back up your points. I've been wrestling with God a lot lately, and one of the big things regards disappointment. During my time reading this blog post and journaling about my disappointment, I received a revelation from God directly about my disappointment; a complete answer that I have been searching for for about eight years. Praise God! Thank you for your help on my journey. 🙂
David says
Thanking God for you Tara, you've helped me and many others on here.. It's about 1:25am, and I probably won't be going to sleep anytime soon, but I definitely needed to see this.. I've had one thing after another, but I've kept optimistic because I knew it could be worse, and that God will prevail. But I had something happen tonight that really was a mega-punch with spikes right to my chest with someone who means more to me than anything, but what hurts more is that she's hurting and doesn't know what to do.. It made me lose my ways of thinking that God knows exactly what will happen, especially since she has such strong faith and it just consumed her in pain so quickly.. It made me forget that it's all a part of his plan, and to not worry about it. But I looked up "verses" and before I could type anymore, I clicked on the first one in the search bar. After that search was done, the first thing that popped up I clicked on, and it lead to this. And it's what I need to hear.. Thank you so much!! Even though some people may not check the comments, I had read each individual comments, and I'm praying for everyone tonight! everyone have a great night/day! Don't forget, every day is truly a blessed gift from god himself, live it to its max and give thanks to God!
Jocelyn says
Gn. I went online looking for anything that could help me with any Bible verses to help with disappointments. This was listed as #1 or #2 in the Google search engine. As I began reading, I immediately was happy to learn that this was written by someone who has their own family (children to be exact). My disappointment comes from my child. It is 12:21 am and I found something that belonged to him, in unlikely place that only God could have wanted me to find. Now I am a single parent and my son is a newly turned teen and with that being said, I know that he is at the age of experimenting. He's a good student grade wise, but can do much better behavior wise. So finding what I did, knocked the breath out of me because I felt "NOT MY CHILD". Unfortunately, it is my child. I try to instill in him the best I can by walking him through the life I lead, while not leaving out the negative parts to it. I feel like alot of good parents feel which is I am raising him to become a great man. I called a few ppl before finding this blog, that I believe could illeviate what I feel. It didn't work. Then, I remembered that I am a Christian woman and I need to find a way to call on the Lord and leave what I feel with him. Your blog helped me gather my prayer together and get it out through tears and all. This blog is amazing, motivational and inspirational. I thank you for jumping out of bed and writing it. The verse I love the most is when you stated that all things are possible through God. You are absolutely right. God has our whole life planned out, so he prepared for my disappointment, but I'm also sure that he planned for my JOY that is coming. I love my son and together he is going to make it through as long as I keep the faith and hope, pray and there are faithful people like you weird amazing blogs like this one. Thank you so very much. This really helped me more than you will ever know.
Mathew says
Thank you ! It makes a big impact.