Come Up From the Let Down a 5-Day Devotional Plan to Cope With Being Let Down by People by Alicia Renee’ RobertsSýnishorn

Introduction

Placing hope and expectations in people can be tricky. From entering the world, we learned to trust and put our confidence in people to nurture and provide for us, to shelter us from harm, and ultimately to have our best interests in mind. We were built to depend on others and the promises that they make. The funny thing about expectations is that sometimes our perception or what we think “should be” does not always align with reality, and we are let down.

Being let down can be tough. Many deep emotional wounds are formed due to abandonment, broken promises, rejection, and other shortcomings from those we’ve loved or revered the most.

How can there be such a disconnect between what you feel is a basic or natural need compared to what someone else feels is? You may even need clarification about why someone is not showing you the same level of care, respect, or support you show them or that you deserve.

Everyone’s level of expectation is different. It’s like comparing someone who is affectionate and loves hugs to someone who prefers to show their love in other ways. The hugger may be disappointed when the other person does not hug but expresses themselves verbally instead. Both may have good intentions, but someone may still feel let down.

Eventually, we learn that people will fail to meet our expectations occasionally. There will be times when those we hold high esteem for, are vulnerable with, and need the most will let us down continuously or with no regard. Those times are often the worst. Thankfully, we have Jesus to comfort us in our time of need.

When the letdown comes frequently, we can trust in the Lord. When we can’t entirely depend on others, we can always rely on Him. Man’s word is fallible, but God’s word is infallible. Through Him, you can ask in prayer and not worry about receiving (See Mark 11:24 ESV).

If you are feeling hurt due to being let down, I invite you on this journey of learning to heal from being let down by others. We will also explore how to better place your hope and expectations in God versus people and how to rise above disappointment. Being let down by people does not mean you must stay down.