Disappointment. We all experience it. We all know what if feels like. We have all at some time or other said and done things when disappointed with our circumstances or other people that we have later regretted. But what are healthy ways to handle disappointment in our lives?
On this podcast I continue my conversation with the author John Hindley on his book, “Dealing With Disappointment: How To Know Joy When Life Doesn’t Feel Great“. (Our earlier conversation at Podcast #032 is here).
Disappointment can so easily come to dominate life – the nagging thought in the back of our minds and the constant “yes, but…” colouring all our pleasures.
Do join us as we discuss practical ways to find joy through disappointment. In particular we discuss:
- Disappointment with my circumstances.
The power of a different perspective rather than relying on the stoicism that we tend to default to.
Or, in other words, how to defeat those painful things that are true by looking at things that are more true.
Finding a balance between working too much or too little. - Disappointment with people.
How do I decide if it is something I should forgive and move on from or something I should forgive and then talk with the person concerned about?
For more on this also see: Podcast #025 Is There A Difficult Person In Your Life? - Disappointment with my success.
John and I confess personal examples of how easy it is to tie up our meaning and identity with things that are actually quite trivial.
How the good things of life are a signpost to a far greater work and person we should be enamoured by.
How “the fuel for living a truly successful life is to know that you will one day live it perfectly, and with perfect satisfaction.”
For more on this also see Podcast #002 Success.
- Disappointment with myself.
How facing up to the painful reality that I am not the person I wish was can be not the last word in our lives, but part of our story to greater wholeness.
The freedom that comes from understanding, as John writes, “Your purpose in life is not to be perfect. Your purpose in life is to showcase God’s grace to the imperfect.”
Balancing in my life God’s gift of forgiveness with the gift of integrity. - Disappointment with God.
For people of faith, this is probably the hardest disappointment to face up to. As John says, “If God is in control – and He is- then behind all your disappointments with your relationships, your circumstances, your ministry and yourself must lie disappointment with God……God could have, should have, might have….and didn’t. So often, in so many small and serious ways, it feels as if God doesn’t come through.”
For more on this also see Podcast #028 The God I Don’t Understand.
If your life isn’t perfect….. you need to listen to this podcast!
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Very good – and thanks for tackling the tough question – what if I’m disappointed with God? Enjoyed your anecdote John re your wife – much to think about 🙂
Must listen to the earlier podcast …
Glad you were encouraged Chris!
Very helpful that our good works are sign post to all holy and loving God.
Glad you were encouraged Robin!