“‘I am testing my people, and they can do nothing to stop me,’ says the Lord.” Ezekiel 21:13 (CEV)
The Deadly Ds – Negative Emotions
When our plans don’t work out, we can feel . . .
damaged, debilitated, deceived, defeated, defensive, dejected, delayed, demeaned, demoralized, denigrated, denied, depleted, depreciated, depressed, deserted, desperate, despondent, destroyed, disgusted, disillusioned, discouraged or disappointed.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO WHEN YOU’RE DISAPPOINTED?
- ALWAYS CHOOSE FAITH OVER FEAR
“God did not give us a spirit that makes us afraid but a spirit of power and love and self-control.” 2 Tim. 1:7 (NCV)
Action Plan: Write down a list of things you are afraid of or cause you anxiety. During your daily devotion, give these to God in prayer.
- ALWAYS TRUST THAT GOD IS IN CONTROL
“God is the one to fear, because God is in control and rules the heavens.” Job 25:2 (CEV)
“For promotion and power come from nowhere on earth, but only from God. He promotes one and deposes another.” Psalm 75:6-7(LB)
(NLT) “GOD decides who will rise and who will fall.”
(Amp) “HE puts down one and lifts up another.”
Action Plan: Refer back to your list of fears and by each one write down how long you have been afraid? Are your trying to ‘deal’ with your fears by yourself? How can you draw strength from others?
- BE PATIENT! IT’S NOT THE END OF THE STORY!
“HOW LONG Lord? How long do I have to keep begging for you to help ournation? How long before you listen? How long before you rescue us fromall this violence?” Habakkuk 1:2 (CEV)
God: “The things I plan won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely,the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do notdespair, for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single day!” Habakkuk 2:3 (LB)
“Wait patiently, my friends, until the Lord comes. Think of how patientfarmers areas they wait for their land to produce. They wait patientlyfor different seasonsand rain.” James 5:7
“We know that in ALL things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 (NIV)
“So we (Christians) set our eyes not on what we see but on what we cannot see. What we see will last only a short time, but what we cannot see will last forever.” 2 Cor. 4:18 (NCV)
- DON’T JUMP TO CONCLUSIONS
“Don't be too quick to go to court about something you have seen. If anotherwitness later proves you wrong, what will you do then?” Prov. 25:8 (TEV)
“Be warned that there is no end of opinions ready to be expressed. And studyingthem can go on forever and become very exhausting!” Eccl. 12:12 (NLT)
“Only fools believe everything they are told . . .” Prov. 14:15 (NLT)
“The gullible will believe anything . . . but the prudent sift and weigh every word.” Prov. 14:15 (Mes)
“Get the facts at any price!” Prov. 23:23a (LB)
- LOOK FOR LESSONS TO LEARN
“Remember today what you have learned about the Lord through your experiences with him.” Deut. 11:2 (TEV)
“Who gave up our nation to the looters? It was the Lord himself, against whom we sinned! We would not live as he wanted us to live or obey the teachings hegave us. So he made us feel the force of his anger and suffer the violence . . . his anger burned throughout Israel, but we never knew what was happening and we learned nothing at all from it.” Isaiah 42:24-25 (TEV)
Acton Plan: What is God teaching you through your fears? Next to your list, write down what you are learning. If nothing comes to mind, ask God if you are missing out on what He may be trying to show you. Share what you learn with a trusted friend or your small group.
- Be empathetic with everyone
“We must bear the ‘burden’ of being considerate of the doubts and fears ofothers – of those who feel these things are wrong. Let us please the other fellow,not ourselves, and do what is for his good and thus build him up in the Lord.” Romans 15:2 (LB)
- LOOK FOR THINGS TO BE GRATEFUL FOR
“Give thanks IN all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thes. 5:18 (NIV)
“Remember, our REAL citizenship is in heaven! And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ!” Phil. 3:20 (NIV)
Acton Plan: In the midst of your fears and anxieties, write down on a post-it note at least one thing you are grateful for. Put the notes in a place where you will see them often. When you see them throughout the day, read them and thank God.
Weekly Action Steps
We recommit our lives to Jesus Christ. Text NEWSTART (1 word) to 99000 or email newstart@saddleback.com
We express our gratitude to God for his goodness by giving back to him. Your generosity online is feeding tens of thousands of out-of-work families and serving many other needs. Give at Saddleback.com/give
We meet in small groups online to discuss what we’ve heard. To join a group, text SMALLGROUP to 99000 or email SMALLGROUP@saddleback.com.
Listen to our new Doable Discipleship podcast season, “Politics and the Church” at Saddleback.com/learn
