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

Coping with the Hurt of Being Let Down

It happened. You trusted someone to be there for you, and they weren’t. You expected the person you admire to have the same level of respect and consideration for you, but they showed you differently. You anticipated getting a promotion or that increase on the job, and instead, you heard the dreaded beginning statement, “Unfortunately…”. I’ve been there and have experienced each one of these scenarios. Each scenario is unpleasant, and it hurts.

While writing this devotional plan, I am reminded of an incident that occurred at a time when I needed the most support emotionally and physically. I was grieving the tragic loss of a significant other. I expected that family and friends would come together and be there for each other. I expected a certain level of thoughtfulness and consideration. I hoped that those close would embrace and support me as I, too, had experienced a considerable loss. However, that is not what I received. I was shocked, disheartened, and let down.

I am also reminded of when I completed a great deal of work for my boss and was told I would receive a raise soon. The raise never came. When I asked about it and reminded her about the promise, I was given a misleading excuse and told that I would have to wait. I had gotten my hopes up and was let down again.

I share these examples to point out that sometimes life seems unfair. People are not without flaws. At times, they will unconsciously fail to keep their promises, and at other times, there is simply a lack of care or concern for the feelings of others. We cannot beat ourselves up over people's failures or missteps.

Here are some ways that you can cope with the hurt of being let down:

• Shift your focus on God as the healer of your heart and your provider. Give Him your burden of pain (See Philippians 4:19 NIV and Psalm 147:3 NIV).
• Forgive those who let you down. Forgiveness is not accepting what they did as right, but it is to give you peace and resolution (See Matthew 6:14-15).
• Find an alternative or another avenue of support. Allow God to direct you to the right resources.

Reflection: In what way is the hurt from disappointment still lingering? Have you forgiven? What burdens do you need to surrender to God?