Have you ever fallen into disappointment or despair when people let you down? I have. It’s a sad and lonely place to be emotionally and spiritually. There are lots of reasons we experience this state of being. But, one of the most common is placing our faith in what is NOT faithful – PEOPLE. They will always fail us because they are limited. They are fallible. They are human.
We are disheartened when people let us down. That’s only natural. Yet, we can minimize the pain a bit once we remember people are just…people.
As the late pastor emeritus of our church, Pastor Preston Allen, Jr., said, “People do people things.”
In other words, in all our frailties and humanity, we, as people, are gonna mess up.
When we hinge our faith on mere human beings or systems (created by …well, human beings), we are hurt when they fail. If not remedied with the Word of God, this hurt can quickly turn to bitterness and even depression.
Table of Contents- when people let you down
Why am I always disappointed with others?
Why do we often find ourselves consistently let down by those around us? It’s a question that many of us grapple with as we navigate the complexities of social interactions and relationships. The truth is, that expectations can often lead to disappointment. When we have certain hopes and beliefs about how others should behave or treat us, it’s natural to feel let down when they don’t meet those expectations.
Sometimes, we have high hopes for how others should think and behave. We want to connect with and understand them, so we project our ideas onto them. However, this can lead to disappointment because everyone has their own perspectives and experiences.
Misunderstandings happen when we don’t communicate clearly. We shouldn’t expect others to know what we want or need without us telling them.
In addition, it is essential to remember that we are all human beings (have I said that enough, yet?) with our own imperfections and limitations. We all make mistakes, face our own challenges, and may not always meet the expectations others may have of us. Demanding perfection from others can lead to constant disappointment and strain on our relationships. Let us approach one another with empathy and understanding, acknowledging that we are all on this life journey together.
So, what can we do to manage our disappointment in others?
Firstly, it’s essential to cultivate self-awareness and examine our own expectations. Are they realistic and fair? Are we placing unreasonable pressure on others to meet our desires and needs? Self-reflection can help us gain insight into our own patterns and adjust our expectations accordingly.
Additionally, I think fostering open and honest communication is crucial. Expressing our expectations, boundaries, and needs can prevent misunderstandings and help build stronger connections.
The bottom line is disappointment in others often stems from expectations, miscommunication, and the inherent fallibility of human nature. By examining (and MANAGING) our expectations, enhancing communication, and cultivating acceptance, we can navigate our relationships with more understanding and reduce the frequency of disappointment. So, let’s strive to foster empathy, communicate effectively, and embrace the uniqueness of those around us.
In my personal experience, I struggle with some of the conclusions of medical professionals.
While they know more than I do, and I respect them immensely, they do NOT know everything. This is a funny article on the New York Times’ website about just that.
Time and time again, I have seen doctors say one thing only to come back a short time later, stating, “I’m not sure what happened, but you have improved.”
Similarly, I also struggle with some conclusions of well-meaning Christians. Some Christians believe I should just accept life (i.e., diagnosis and such) at face value and not ask God for what I want. I disagree.
He said I could make my request known, and I do every chance I get. I go boldly to the throne of grace.
Philippians 4:6:
“do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
We cannot and should
not trust anyone 100%
except for Jesus Christ.
He is the only infallible and 100 % faithful One. When people let you down, it is again because they are fallible. They are like us – mere dust.
Yes, God is in control.
He will never disappoint. Even when He gives us something different than what we ask for, His peace soothes us through the sting of disappointment.
Remember, His “no” is often protection and guarantees something better.
When people let you down
So, if your friends have not been there for you, or they “leave you hanging,”…it does not matter; trust God. He will never leave you. Plus, I think He will even send you better friends. Not that they will be perfect or always meet your needs – that’s God’s job.
Maybe the guy of your dreams didn’t marry you as he promised. God has someone better for you. Another truth is He may have some work to do in you so you will be ready for the caliber man you desire. Who knows. The point is not to put your confidence in people, mere flesh and blood.
Yet, another example…
Perhaps your husband has the compassion and sensitivity of sheet rock…it doesn’t matter. Keep your faith in God and count on Him and Him alone for what you need, and you’ll be just fine. People will forever disappoint, cars will wear out, and water is wet- all are part of life.
Chrisitan Woman, when people let you down, it hurts, but it could indicate your confidence was in the wrong place and to the wrong degree.
As I mentioned earlier, you’ve got to keep our confidence in the proper place and the property portion.
To reiterate, we need to keep our confidence and faith in God and trust him 100%. Similarly, while we can trust people and call them when we need help, our ultimate trust must be in the Lord.
This is what you do when people let you down
Let me share what I do and what you can possibly do when people let you down:
1. Let the nuts go. If people repeatedly and habitually mistreat you, just release them from the offense. Forgive them. That doesn’t mean restored fellowship, but it does mean you let go of your pain and malice.
2. Tell no one. Little good comes from sharing someone else’s failure. It’s petty and pointless and changes little. Vent only if you must, and then select a listener who will keep the secret. Otherwise, tell God in your prayer time and pour out your heart to Him. After all, He’s the only one who can help anyway.
3. Remember that everyone is not your enemy. Sure some people are “dooty heads” trying to make others miserable. But most people are not. You’ll only grow bitter if you think people are out to “get” you. Part of the forgiveness mentality is being able to trust others again. Forgive the person who hurt you; do not make everyone pay for their sin.
Again, release, tell no one, and let go of bitterness.
Remember, your faith is only as good as what you place it in. Place it in the One who never fails. Amen?
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