We’ve all been disappointed at one time or another. Maybe the pandemic caused setbacks. Maybe someone stole from you, or a trusted confidant backstabbed you. Maybe someone promised, “I’ll be back,” or “I’m committed to a relationship with you,” then disappeared and abandoned you. These events create emotional opportunities that can cause any of us to feel discouraged or disappointed, or even to have feelings of rejection and abandonment; but you know what? It’s not God’s will for us to live disappointed, devastated, or oppressed. We must make up our minds to allow the Word of God to be the final authority on how to deal with discouragement.

Disappointment is defined as the failure of a desire or expectation; when it is not dealt with properly, it turns into discouragement. If we stay discouraged for too long, we become devastated and that ultimately leaves us unable to handle anything. We must stand against the enemy and decide to resist the emotions related to disappointment. We must also recognize that we have the tools and means to resist these negative emotions because the Bible tells us, “Greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” We can’t just let life and situations pass us by, but instead we must move forward, expecting more and believing that there’s something good on the other side.

World events have hopelessness at an all-time high, but God never intended for any of us to live in constant turmoil. He wants our spirits to be light so that we can flow with the Holy Spirt as He says, “My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” I know the feelings of disappointment and grief are real because I felt them when I lost my mother. I had to intentionally make a quality decision to fight the good fight of faith, to resist sorrow and depression. I had to tell myself, “Get OUT of the bed, Taffi!” Yes, I had to talk to myself and make myself turn off the sad songs, open the curtains, and let the sun in. When we lose our loved ones, we miss everything about them—their smile, their laugh, or time spent with them—this is normal, but we must take control of our thought-life to leave disappointment, discouragement, and despair behind. Many days I declared that today was going to be a good day, not a sad one, because God is good!

God knows what you’re dealing with today and has already seen the obstacles and circumstances that you’re enduring. He knows your past, present, and future, and He surely knows about all the disappointments and discouraging situations you’ve faced. In the moments when you want to scream, I want to remind you of what the Psalmist wrote in Psalm 42:5, NLT. It says, “Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again…” See, your future is in God; you can find peace in Him and leave despair, devastation, and grief at the door. God is your refuge and strong tower, so praise Him through your tears. He truly is your hope! I want to challenge you in this season to take a stand and grab hold of your thoughts and emotions, rather than allowing the depths of depression and despair to overtake you. Regardless of any situation you may find yourself in, God loves you no matter what and will give you peace if you ask Him for it. Simply CHOOSE His peace for your life!