Count on God, not people.

Think of a time someone let you down.

(Sorry to darken the mood, guys. hehe)

Personally, I can think of dozens of times people let me down. It's an unfortunate, but inevitable part of life. Humans are not the greatest at keeping their words, or following through. Forget exceeding expectations; what about keeping expectations?

I know for a fact I have let many people down, and as a people pleaser, that hurts. I wish I was good enough. I wish I was perfect. That, however, is an impossible standard. Not only does this happen in trying to make healthy decisions for myself, but it MAINLY happens in the midst of my selfishness.

The following verses are scriptures that talk about the disappointment of humankind. It has been a thing since humans became selfish. (So, since the beginning of time lol)

Skip down 2 paragraphs to keep reading my thoughts. (But also, read the following words from some wise men. Don't worry, these are translated straight from the Greek and Hebrew texts and haven't gotten lost in translation.)

Psalm 118:8 -- "It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man."

Colossians 3:23 -- "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men..."

Micah 7:5-8 -- "Put no trust in a neighbor; have no confidence in a friend; guard the doors of your mouth from her who lies in your arms; for the son treats the father with contempt, the daughter rises up against her mother, the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; a man's enemies are the men of his own house. But as for me, I will look to the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me. Rejoice not over me, O my enemy; when I fall, I shall rise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord will be a light to me."

Letting people down comes in various forms. Relocating jobs or housing... stepping down from certain responsibilities... not physically being able to be there for someone... even having an opinion that differs from others' opinions. I can think of times other people let me down in these areas, and times when I let others down in these areas.

Sometimes in life, you're faced in the midst of a terribly hard decision that will ruffle feathers regardless of the outcome. You've sought counsel for it. You've prayed for hours over it. You've made the choice, and it's time to establish this decision, and the person receiving the information gets to choose how to respond to it.

For me, I overthink to the MAX about what will be said about my decisions (regardless of what they are), but that's not a healthy mindset to be in all the time. I want everyone to be 100% happy at all times, no matter how unrealistic that is. But alas--that is not how the world works. This may be naive of me to think, but I think if I care this much about wanting to please others, maybe they care just as much on the flip side. When people let you down, consider their external circumstances that may be effecting every other part of their lives.

HOWEVER

This blog post isn't to drone on and on about how disappointing I am, or how hurt I have been by other people. No no no. This post is to show why we are in need of a Savior, and why God is the only one who we can really count on.

Maybe we will feel let down by Him sometimes because we were expecting something different with our human, minute understanding, but here's why God is so amazing: He is ALWAYS loyal. Always faithful. Always just. (Except way too generous, but that's a different post lol)

{{{I have said this before, but I will say it again: it is SO IMPORTANT to read scripture in context. However, I do believe that this so beautifully compiled book that is the Bible can apply to Christians in their current trials. We may not be literally going into battle, but there is a spiritual battle always happening and I will always be encouraged by these verses in my own trying times.}}}

Isaiah 41:10 -- "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." THIS DOES NOT SAY that He will prevent every single bad thing from happening to you. Nowhere in the Bible does anyone say that life is sunshine and rainbows (but if only...amiright...lol (that's what Heaven is for)), but God is faithful to those who seek Him. He is WITH you in the thick of it. He won't abandon you because He's tired or made other plans. YOU are His plans.

Deuteronomy 31:8 -- "It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”

I have a phone background right now that has three sentences on it. I look at it daily, because I use my phone daily. It says "God's timing is perfect. God's ways are higher than my ways. God's plan is unfolding right in front of me." We get free-will, the ability to make any choices we desire. I choose to let God direct my paths.

Who is your confidence in? The friend that keeps ditching you? The family member that doesn't care enough? The pastor that doesn't have the energy? (And yes, that happens...they ain't superhuman.)

Remember to shift your confidence to God when you're feeling disappointed by the people in your life. People just don't have the emotional capacity to support others at all times. God does have that capacity though!