For When You’re Disappointed
The Doctrine and Covenants offers help when things don’t go your way.
Illustration by Luciana Abrão
Have you ever been disappointed? I have. Actually, I was disappointed just last week. Seriously—tears and all.
The Lord said to Joseph Smith, “Be patient in afflictions, for thou shalt have many.” Gulp. I don’t like the sound of that.
But thankfully, the scripture continues: “But endure them, for, lo, I am with thee, even unto the end of thy days” (Doctrine and Covenants 24:8, emphasis added). OK. Long breath out.
When I think about it, I realize the Lord has been with me through every disappointment I’ve gone through. Here are some examples:
When I Didn’t Get the Part …
When I was 15, I auditioned for a play at school. I tried out for the lead role, but in the end, I didn’t get the part.
To make things worse, the teacher had already cast all the smaller roles, so there wasn’t a part for me at all. She made me the Student Director, and because she felt bad, she also added a new part—I got to come on stage for about 30 seconds as a silent nun.
Yep. I cried.
… The Lord Strengthened Me
Looking back, I realize the Savior helped me through that disappointing time. He strengthened me to keep a good attitude and develop more humility. In the end, I enjoyed my time in the ninth-grade play.
“Let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed” (Doctrine and Covenants 123:17, emphasis added).
When Sports Didn’t Go My Way …
In my last year of high school, I wanted to make the varsity (or advanced) tennis team. I had to beat the girl ranked immediately above me to make the team. But when I played her, I lost.
Even though I was disappointed, I played on the junior varsity team. In the final junior varsity tournament, I was ranked in first place. But what do you know? I lost the final match. I cried—again.
I was disappointed again later. After I received an award for earning good grades and playing sports, they decided to take the award away—because apparently, it was only for those who played varsity.
… It Was Just a “Small Moment”
At the time, tennis was a big part of my life, and those disappointments felt huge. What I didn’t realize was that the Savior was always with me, helping me. Those huge disappointments didn’t last forever, even if it felt like they would.
“Peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; and then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high” (Doctrine and Covenants 121:7–8, emphasis added).
When I Tried to Outsmart Disappointment …
Sometimes, I tried to completely avoid disappointment. When I was 13 years old and didn’t make student council, I never tried again, even though it was something I probably would’ve enjoyed. I gave up because I was afraid of being disappointed again.
… I Needed to “Fear Not”
I needed to remember that the Lord is with us, even in our disappointments. Sometimes things won’t go our way, but He can help us face uncomfortable emotions and try new things.
“Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not” (Doctrine and Covenants 6:36–37, emphasis added).
When Serving a Mission Didn’t Go as Planned …
After high school, I decided to serve a mission. But I had some unexpected medical problems that kept me from leaving when I expected to.
I had to be patient, but I was eventually called to the Mexico Guadalajara East Mission. There, I taught many amazing people and even helped some of them be baptized. But even with my faith, obedience, and hard work, none of them stayed active in the Church.
… I Trusted in God’s Will
Often, life events are out of our control. I couldn’t instantly solve my medical problems. And I can’t force others to live the gospel. But I can trust in the Lord’s timing and way.
“Therefore, sanctify yourselves that your minds become single to God, and the days will come that you shall see him; … and it shall be in his own time, and in his own way, and according to his own will” (Doctrine and Covenants 88:68, emphasis added).
When I Was Disappointed Last Week …
I’m an adult now. But I still get disappointed. Actually, just last week I went to a writing conference. I felt pretty confident about some of my writing, but I received some disappointing feedback from other writers.
… He Was with Me
Now, I’m trying to trust the Lord a little more. Disappointments are a part of life. They don’t mean you’re doing anything wrong.
So, back to the scripture from the beginning. Yes, we may have “many” afflictions and disappointments. But I know that the Lord will be with me through all of them. And He will be with you too.
“Be patient in afflictions, for thou shalt have many; but endure them, for, lo, I am with thee, even unto the end of thy days” (Doctrine and Covenants 24:8, emphasis added).