A Prayer for When You Feel Disappointment
By Betsy de Cruz
“No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.” – Romans 4:20-21
I prayed for God’s will to be done, but I was positive I knew what it was. Surely God would give me and my husband the house we had just bid on. I prayed for an attitude of surrender, but deep inside I thought surely God wanted to bless us with a house that seemed to meet our needs perfectly.
Until I got the text. No house. I forced myself to say, “I will praise God anyway.” However, I also felt disappointed and angry because I’d have to continue my one-hour commute to work and spend yet another weekend looking at houses.
Maybe you also have been praying for something, only to have your hopes dashed time and time again. Perhaps you’ve asked God for a job, healing, or a child.
Abraham has something to teach us. Can you imagine the pain of discovering Sarah was still not pregnant, month after month? For 80 years? Yet Scripture informs us “in hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations” (Romans 4:18). Today’s verse tells us no unbelief made Abraham waver; despite setbacks his faith grew stronger.
Abraham focused on the promise of God rather than on his current circumstances.
He lived with an attitude of worship. He gave glory to God by focusing on God’s power and ability to fulfill His promises. Abraham continued praising God even though he did not see results.
If a long time of waiting on God to answer prayer has discouraged your faith, consider following Abraham’s example.
Turn your gaze away from the result you do not see and towards God who is working His wonderful plans for your life. Consider what promise of God you can lean on today and keep your focus on Him.
Keep praising God. If doubt is entering your heart, turn on worship music and sing along. Praise Him often for his attributes and power. You’ll be strengthened in your faith, just like Abraham was.
Let’s place our hope not in a specific outcome, but in the God who never fails to show us steadfast love and faithfulness.
Let’s Pray:
Dear Lord, you know the prayers I have prayed and the answers I cannot yet see. I bring my discouragement to you and pray that you will renew my hope again. Help me remember prayer is less about getting specific answers and more about developing a relationship with you.
Father, teach me to pray so that my heart is focused on you more than on the results I am hoping for. Show me promises from your word that speak to my situation and give me discernment to understand whether my prayer aligns with your Word or not.
Help me walk by faith and not by sight. Give me the grace I need to continue praising you even when I cannot see you working as I would like.
Lord, you are loving, compassionate, and faithful to your people. I praise you for all the ways you have provided for me and protected me in the past. Thank you for the many blessings I enjoy today. Thank you for my salvation, for the death of Jesus Christ. I praise you, my living hope. When my faith falters, help me believe.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Betsy de Cruz helps overwhelmed women take small steps to invite more of God’s presence and power into their lives. Connect with Betsy to get your free Quiet Time Renewal Guide and other resources at FaithSpillingOver.com. Her book More of God is a distracted woman’s guide to more meaningful quiet times. After living in the Middle East for 16 years with her husband and two children, Betsy landed in Texas, where she still enjoys drinking chai with friends.
Editor's Note: We're proud to announce we've just launched a new nighttime companion to Your Daily Prayer: the Your Nightly Prayer devotional. You'll soon be able to subscribe to receive Your Nightly Prayer via email, or as a podcast, but for now you can find it on the website at crosswalk.com/devotionals/your-nightly-prayer. We hope it's a relaxing and soothing way to wind down your day with rich meditations on who God is.
Related Resource: Jesus Calling - Stories of Faith
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Inspired by Sarah Young's classic devotional book, the Jesus Calling podcast has brought encouragement and peace to millions. New episodes drop every Thursday! Listen today on LifeAudio.com or wherever you find your podcasts.
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