When People Disappoint Us

No one is faithful anymore.

People are violent and skilled in doing evil.

Rulers and judges use their power to better themselves—not the people.

Neighbors, friends—and even lovers—can’t be trusted with what’s important.

Even family members dishonor and turn on one other.

You may have thought I was describing people in our 21^st century world, but this is actually a description of Micah’s old testament day. (You can read his exact words in Micah 7:2-6).

You see, the people Micah ministered to had turned away from God and were doing great damage to themselves and others.

Injustice reigned.

People suffered.

And God knew their current path was leading them to a devastating place. So He graciously sent the prophet Micah to warn them and invite them to change course.

They didn’t listen, though.

And so Micah cried out (along with the people suffering in that culture), “What misery is mine!” (7:1)

Looking at people, there was no hope to be found.

There was no glimmer of change, no suggestion that Micah’s warning was getting through.

All was disappointment.

Can you relate to any of this?

Have you ever been disappointed by the people in your world?

And have you ever been frustrated by their refusal to change course?

If so, you’re not alone.

From the politicians on TV to the people in our inner circle…

and on topics ranging from minor irritations to major issues…

people frequently let us down.

But the prophet Micah teaches us a beautiful way to respond in these moments of frustration and disappointment.

Look at what he says in Micah 7:7:

“But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.” (NIV)

When people disappoint us, we must change where we’re looking for hope. And when our words fall on deaf ears, we must change who we’re talking to.

Look to God:

Right after describing the failures of people, Micah says, “But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD.”

When people disappointed him, Micah shifted his gaze to the God who never disappoints. And we can do the same thing.

You see, Scripture tells us that God excels where people fail. So…

When people are unfaithful, we can know God will remain faithful. (2 Timothy 2:13)
When rulers are self-serving, we can know Jesus is the self-sacrificing Ruler on an even higher throne. (Revelation 1:5-6)
When judges are bribed and influenced, we can know Jesus is the Judge with the final say—and He gives just verdicts. (Isaiah 11:3-5)
When friends betray us, we can know God is the friend who sticks closer than a brother. (Proverbs 18:24)
When family forsakes us, we can know God is the Father who will always be there. (Psalm 27:10)

In all those moments where people let us down, we are invited to change where we’re looking for hope. We are invited to find our hope—not in people, but in the person of God.

Talk to God:

Micah continues by saying, “I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.”

When his pleas and warnings fell on deaf ears, Micah changed who he was talking to.

What a great example this is for us!

Our words may not change people’s minds, but they move the heart of God.

So what if… instead of trying to talk people into changing, we talked to God about the situation?

God hears the prayers of His people and He can do what we cannot do!

So this week, if we find ourselves let down by people, I pray we will respond like Micah.

May we watch in hope for the LORD—and talk to Him—because He hears us.

Putting it into practice:

How do these truths about God challenge or encourage you?

And where might you need to adopt Micah’s response to disappointment?

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