Seeing my child hurting is like a knife to my heart. A momma bear rises up in me wanting to take away the pain and disappointment. But I am reminded that in some circumstances, supporting and coaching my child through a trial provides a wonderful opportunity for character development and spiritual growth. I am thankful that the Bible has provided us with God’s truth to talk about and pray over these teachable moments. 

The next time you find yourself trying to talk and teach your child through a disappointing situation, consider using these verses.

What Does the Bible Say About Disappointment

God is Near

The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them;
    he delivers them from all their troubles.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
    and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
The righteous person may have many troubles,
    but the Lord delivers him from them all.

Psalm 34:17-19 (NIV)

The truth is that we will all face troubles. Understanding that the Lord is close to the brokenhearted brings peace into the times of pain and suffering.

God Cares About Our Disappointment and Worry

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7 (NIV)

In spite of their hard work, sometimes our children’s efforts are overlooked. This verse reminds us that God calls for humility knowing that we can take our anxious thoughts to Him and trust in His perfect timing.

God is Listening

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11-13 (NIV)

These verses beautifully lay out a plan for your child: call, come, and pray. And, we can rest in the fact that God will listen.  

Disappointment is a Process

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power forever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 5:10-11 (NIV)

While it doesn’t seem like it, disappointment is temporal, and in His time God will restore us. But through the process, He will make us strong, firm, and steadfast for our growth and His glory.

God Can Be Trusted

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
    neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.
“As the heavens are higher than the earth,
    so are my ways higher than your ways
    and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV)

While it doesn’t always make sense to us, we can rest in the fact that God has a plan for our disappointment.  

When disappointment comes into your child’s life, avoid the temptation to fix the issue. Instead look at it as an opportunity to teach your child about the troubles of this life, the promise of a glorious future, and the sovereignty of our good God.