By Joseph Perry

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.” Isaiah 43:18, NIV

How do you handle the disappointments in life?

The Bible tells us that every person, no matter who you are, will have disappointments.

Sometimes disappointments have come my way when I least expected. When they came, it was tough to deal with at times. There have been times when I have struggled to get past it. Some disappointments have taken longer to get over than others; however, I have found that disappointments will come to each of us.

The prophet Isaiah knew as he shared a word that God’s people needed to know that disappointments and things in life would come and bring hurt and pain. Events show up out of nowhere that will bring disappointments.

It may be something as simple as not getting a promotion for which you hoped. Maybe you didn’t qualify for a house or a vehicle you really wanted or maybe a relationship that didn’t work out, or the death of a loved one, or some kind of illness in your body.

Whatever it may be, the truth of the matter is disappointments do come.

The main keys to really handling disappointments is learning to:

• Let go of the past.
• Stay connected with the present
• Look forward to the future

Let go of the past so you can overcome disappointments and experience the bright future God has waiting for you. As the hymn goes, there’s a bright side somewhere, and don’t you rest until you find it. Hang in there!

The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Perry is pastor of St. Mark AME Zion Church. Contact him at josephp134@gmail.com.