Another gathering canceled. Another event with no live audience. Another vacation that will have to wait until an unspecified time in the future. Another disappointment piled onto the rest like building blocks that ultimately leave us feeling mentally exhausted.
It’s been over a year now since the NBA had to completely rework their season, the 2020 Olympics were postponed, and the whole world felt like it was spiraling out of control. And here we are, a year later, with a lot more hope but still in a lingering relationship with disappointment.
I don’t know about you, but seemingly endless disappointments can leave me feeling mentally exhausted and angry. Lately, I’ve felt like the best course of action is to crawl into bed and hide under the covers for a week. Even the Bible says that unrelenting disappointment leaves you heartsick (Proverbs 13:12).
I often wonder why God allows us to get our hopes up about things, big or small, and then seemingly changes direction on us. But, one thing I’ve learned when processing repeated disappointments is that God not only knows what we want, He knows what we need, and He chooses to give us that.
What if the disappointment you’re facing is actually God’s protection in your life? What if He’s inviting you to trust Him with something you’ve been trying to control for too long?
If you’re mentally exhausted from all the curveballs and letdowns you’ve experienced over the last several months, you’re not alone.
Here are some practical things you can do to process your disappointment in a healthy way.
1. Be honest with God. God always wants us to be honest with Him, even when we’re frustrated and disappointed. Tell Him how you’re feeling and be open to what He wants to show you through your hurt.
2. Be real with your people. Be open with your friends and your LifeGroup when you’re facing disappointment. Your vulnerability will give them the space to encourage you.
3. Reframe your disappointments. Try to see your disappointments from a different perspective. What can you be grateful for? What new opportunities does this bring that you wouldn’t have had otherwise?
4. Keep hoping and dreaming. No matter what, don’t give up! Keep dreaming about the future, and ask God to remind you of His presence and goodness today.
When we’re mentally exhausted, it’s essential for us to remember that our Father is the only one who can truly heal our disappointed hearts. After all, He promises that those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength (Isaiah 40:31). So, here’s a prayer you can pray as you process your disappointment fatigue:
God, I come to You today feeling weighed down, discouraged, and mentally exhausted. But I know that You are good, no matter what. Meet me in these feelings of disappointment and reveal more of Your character to me. Help me reframe my perspective and have eyes to see Your goodness at work. I trust You, and I know You work all things together for good—even my disappointments. In Jesus’ name, amen.
