I’ve become increasingly aware of how often we tend to interpret Scripture based on ideas, perhaps those we don’t consciously realize, developed from a lifetime spent in our often punitive culture. Our greatest healing and transformation come as we discover who He truly is and live in alignment with that.

For those who often feel like a disappointment, may you gain comfort and encouragement from Debbie Wilson’s post below.

For Those Who Fear They’ve Disappointed God

by Debbie Wilson

Do you think God is disappointed in you? He’s not.

You cannot shock or disappoint God. How do I know this? Because the Bible says that we were chosen “according to the foreknowledge of God the Father” (1 Peter 1:2 NIV). In other words, God knew everything about you and me before we were born, before He chose us.

He knew everything He was getting in me, yet still chose me to be His child and to represent His Kingdom. That is not a pass to misbehave. It is an incentive to get up when I fall—to press on. God knows He did not make a mistake in choosing you or me. He will fulfill His purpose in us. He knows the Spirit won’t fail to form Christlikeness in us (1 John 3:2-3).

We disappoint when we fail to meet someone’s expectations. Since God knew everything about me before I was born, my falls don’t surprise Him. Because I’m still learning the depth of sin’s influence, I’m shocked and disappointed with myself when sin rears its ugly head. But God isn’t.

I imagine Him thinking, Dear child, you think that is bad, you haven’t seen the half of it. There is more where that came from. But My Son’s blood covered that too!

I may not disappoint God, but I can sadden Him. When I cave in to sinful impulses and disobey His wise standards, I hurt Him, myself, and others. Knowing this would happen, God provided the blood of Jesus to continually wash us, so we can continue the process of being transformed into the image of Christ (1 John 1:5-10).

Wallowing in self-condemnation and guilt paralyzes and sidelines us from our higher calling. Holding on to shame is destructive and makes us self-conscious instead of Christ-conscious. Just as God knew Adam and Eve would fall, David would miserably fail, and Peter would deny Him, He knew you and I would mess up. Yet, He still chose them—and us—to be part of His forever family and build His kingdom on earth.

What have you done to disappoint yourself? Admit it to God and experience His forgiveness. He already knows; He’s not shocked. He stands ready to restore you and get you back on track. He loves you with the love of a perfect Father.

” … who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance” (1 Peter 1:2).

Adapted from Give Yourself a Break by Debbie Wilson.

More About Debbie’s Book, Give Yourself a Break:

Give Yourself a Break is an interactive study that will help you experience Jesus in ten areas that commonly cause stress. Learn how stop worry and guilt, reframe how you view unreasonable people and your work, and win the battle in your mind and with temptations. Experience the sweet peace that comes only from trusting Jesus. https://debbiewwilson.com/give-yourself-a-break/

Get to Know Debbie Wilson:

Debbie W. Wilson is an award-winning author, Bible teacher, and former Christian counselor who speaks and writes to connect fellow sojourners to the heart of Christ. She and her husband lead Lighthouse Ministries, a non-profit Christian counseling and Bible teaching ministry. Despite time in Boston, the Midwest, and Southern California, Debbie still says y’all. Her family, which includes two grown children and two mischievous standard poodles, calls North Carolina home. Connect with Debbie, find free resources, and learn about her books at debbieWwilson.com.

Why God Might Feel Distant and How to Connect With Him More Deeply – Faith Over Fear

Have you ever wondered why God can feel distant even when you genuinely love Him and want a close relationship with Him? Past experiences of rejection, emotional distance or unmet needs can affect how we relate to others—and how we experience our relationship with God. Jennifer Slattery talks with author, speaker and Anglican priest Reverend Summer Joy Gross about attachment, anxiety and the fears that can leave us questioning whether God is truly attentive, responsive and engaged with us. Summer shares how understanding attachment helped her recognize some of the fears beneath her own people-pleasing and anxiety and how God has been leading her toward greater security in His love. Together, she and Jennifer discuss the pressure to approach God correctly, why we don't have to chase Him or earn deeper connection with Him and how healing often occurs slowly, one encounter with God at a time. Discover how you can bring your full, messy self to God, receive His compassionate presence and increasingly experience the secure, unchanging love of the One who continually draws near. Scripture discussed or referenced: Ezekiel 36:26; Psalm 46:10; Luke 15:3–7, 11–32; Psalms (David’s laments); Mark 10:13–16; Philippians 1:6; Isaiah 51:14 Resource referenced: Emmanuel Promise: Discovering the Security of a Life Held by God by Summer Joy Gross Find Summer Joy Gross: On her website On Instagram On Facebook Find Jennifer Slattery: On her website Instagram Facebook Amazon Subscribe to her free newsletter Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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4. How to Stop Letting Fear Drive Your Need for Control (ft. Lysa TerKeurst) 28:17
5. How to Trust God When You Need a Miracle 36:55