How Do You Handle Disappointment?

New year. New possibilities. Good thing, too, because many of us look back on various events in the old year and say, “Good riddance!”

Still, despite the many “Happy New Year” greetings and wishes we exchanged just a few weeks ago, disappointments will follow us into the new year. The way we handle them speaks volumes to the children in our life…and teaches them how to handle disappointments in their own life. The last thing we want to communicate is “Do as I say, not as I do.” So what can we do?

For me, handling disappointment, (and positive events, too!) begins with remembering who I belong to. My perspective changes radically when I filter everything that happens to me through the attributes of our great God. Consider these examples:

Sovereign – God is both Sovereign over world events and the things that happen to me personally. Nothing touches me that hasn’t first been sifted through His fingers.

Father – God’s tender care for His children means that even when He allows negative things to happen, they are for my eternal good.

Omniscient – while events may be a surprise to me, they are never a surprise to my heavenly Father.

Provider – Because He knows my needs before I do, He will provide what I need at just the right time. Sometimes it will be resources, other times it will be strength, courage, or encouragement by others.Accessible – He is always with me and is only a prayer away.