How do we respond when we are disappointed by someone?
The high road is to forgive, or shrug it off, and/or give them another chance. The high road is often a tough climb! We lose trust in those who disappoint us. We expect them to disappoint us again, so we take steps to isolate ourselves from them and their inevitable failure. Now that may be a reasonable response for there are times we need to set boundaries with people who are toxic. Nevertheless, there are also times we should also work through that feeling of disappointment, which will likely cost us something.
What about those times we disappoint someone ourselves? The high road is to apologize and change our ways. However, we may rationalize: “Their standards are impossible,” “I did the best I could…”, “well, maybe if I hadn’t forgotten I could have done better.” We may even discover that we are brokenhearted that we’ve let someone down again.
Disappointment often generates hurt; pain that colours our response and ability to take the high road. Isaiah the Old Testament prophet writes (63:7-9); I will tell of the kindness of the Lord. The good things He has done according to his kindness and compassion and belief in his people.
In the context of the chapter God has expressed His disappointment with us, and the judgment that will ensue to the unrepentant. Isaiah notes how God responds in kindness, with compassion and belief in His people. God, in fact, is distressed at the anguish we carry in disappointing Him. But not so much that He caves in or gives up, rather He provides a way of redemption and restoration. God himself comes to earth to secure that redemption on the cross. Jesus endures pain to restore us and give us the opportunity to become what He has created us be. Our proper response is to give ourselves to God, asking forgiveness and committing to live our lives for Him, and then walking in that relationship.
O Lord, you are so good – you act on the assumption we will obey and follow you, and when we recognize our inevitable failure, you hurt with us. Not just because we let you down, but because we hurt. O great God, your ways are amazing, even when we have disappointed you, you provided a way, a healing way of reconciliation. I’m sorry Lord, I choose you. Draw me closer to you, to walk in faith, hope and love.
