Have you experienced any disappointments lately? What a dumb question, right? Life is full of disappointments.

Disappointment is nothing more than dashed expectations. When people put too much expectation on things or other people, disappointment is inevitable. People and things will always disappoint us.

It's good to remember that its not so much what happens to us, but how we handle it. When our expectations become let down, it will be at that moment when we must decide how to react.

When things dont prosper or succeed according to our plan, the first thing we feel is disappointment, and this is normal. There is nothing wrong with feeling disappointed. But, we must know what to do with that feeling or it will move into something more serious.

The devil would like for nothing more than for us to lie in the pit of disappointment for as long as possible. This way he can cause the seed of discouragement to grow. From there, he will plant seeds of depression, and so on.

Here are the progressive evil Ds in order:

1. Disappointment

2. Discouragement

3. Depression

4. Despondency

5. Despair

Disappointment, if left undelt with, will inevitably lead to discouragement, then to depression, then to despondency, and then on to despair. Its in despair where people have lost all hope and could eventually commit suicide.

If you are still feeling disappointed from past dashed expectations, let me remind you, God is in complete control and He knows right where you are.

If we are born again, children of the Most High God, then He takes care of us. Jesus said, Take no thought for your life (Matthew 6:25) and Be anxious for nothing (Philippians 4:6).

God doesnt want us to worry. He wants us to trust Him because He has a perfect plan for our lives (Jeremiah 29:11). Yes, we are to plan our way but the outcome is totally in Gods hands (Proverbs 16:9).

Remember, disappointment is nothing more than dashed expectations. Dont put too much expectation on anything or anyone. People and things are fallible. Only God is infallible. Trust Him with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, for He makes all things work together for our good according to His purpose for our lives (Proverbs 3:5, Romans 8:28).

Copyright 2006 Daniel N Brown