Can We Disappoint God?

I think about how many times the Israelites went their own way, and it broke the heart of God. It was a letdown, but also it was not a surprise to Him in His sovereignty. His disappointment was that He wanted what was best for them, but they sinned and chose their own way. He did not desire to give them consequences, however He is perfectly just and always does the right thing.

If we think about Adam and Eve in the garden, the Creator did not delight in kicking them out of His presence; I imagine that He was disappointed that they chose to sin and there now had to be separation. However, He walked and lovingly confronted them, sacrificed an animal and clothed them, sending them on their way and protecting them from the other tree (Genesis 3).

The Bible says that we can grieve the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30). This again draw us back to the heart of our loving Father. He can grieve over our sins not out of disdain, but out of love for us.

This all points back to how we are defining disappointment. If you believe disappointment is belittling, that is a sin, and in God there is no sin (2 Corinthians 5:21). If you believe disappointment can look like a loving Father desiring the best for His children, who is saddened when they disobey and do what hurts them, then this is God. If you define disappointment as never being perfect enough, then you miss the gospel that Jesus covered our sins so we stand forgiven when we accept Him as our Lord (Hebrews 10:14).

Romans 3:23 tells us that we all fall short of God's glory. Romans 3:10 says no one is righteous. However, this is why “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21). Brother or sister, if you are living in shame or condemnation, this is not what the Lord has for you. I once heard that the Holy Spirit convicts, but never condemns. Is there any area that you feel God is disappointed with you? Remember that He loves you and He wants the best for you. God has emotions, but never sins. His mercies are new every morning.

More from this author
Why the Bible App Being Taken Down in China Should Motivate Us to Know God's Word
Whether You Are a Mary or a Martha, Here’s How to Be the Best Version of Yourself
Bezalel and the God-Given Gift of Creativity

Photo credit: Pexels/Rafael Barros

Emma Danzey’s mission in life stems from Ephesians 3:20-21, to embrace the extraordinary. One of her greatest joys is to journey with the Lord in His Scriptures. She is wife to Drew and mom to Graham. Emma serves alongside her husband in ministry, she focuses most of her time in the home, but loves to provide articles on the Bible, life questions, and Christian lifestyle. Her article on Interracial Marriage was the number 1 on Crosswalk in 2021. Most recently, Emma released Treasures for Tots, (Scripture memory songs) and multiple books and devotionals for young children. During her ministry career, Emma has released Wildflower: Blooming Through Singleness, two worship EP albums, founded and led Polished Conference Ministries, and ran the Refined Magazine. You can view her articles on her blog at emmadanzey.wordpress.com and check out her Instagram @Emmadanzey.