What does it mean to be dismayed?
“Dismayed” is not a word we really use much. We feel dismayed often, though. Afraid. Anxious. Disappointed. Unexpected and unpleasant things happen in our lives and in the world that led to us feeling this way.
I am dismayed mostly when I feel a lack of control. It usually comes when I look at what I’m doing or not doing or what someone else is doing or not doing and think changing what is done will make the feeling go away. Really, it’s that my focus is not on God, and my fear, anxiety, and disappointment have become the perfect storm of dismay.
The Bible tells us many, many times to not be afraid. It tells us to not be anxious about anything (Philippians 4:6-7). It also tells us that hope in God does not disappoint (Romans 5:5). In only a few places does it combine these feelings and tell us not to be dismayed.
Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV): “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be dismayed.”
Joshua 1:9 (KJV): “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”
Isaiah 41:10 (NKJV): “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
Jeremiah 1:17 (NASB): “Now, gird up your loins and arise, and speak to them all which I command you. Do not be dismayed before them, or I will dismay you before them.”
These verses direct my focus to God as the remedy for my overwhelming feelings; he is the solution to my dismay. This begs the question: How does knowing he is with me, that he is my God, and that he strengthens, helps, and upholds me dispel dismay? How does his presence address my fear, anxiety, and disappointment?
How does our focus affect our dismay?
When our focus is on God instead of the circumstances, the circumstances hold less power over us. In other words, it doesn’t mean we won’t FEEL dismayed – anxious, afraid, or disappointed. It means we won’t BE dismayed; we don’t have to dwell there and let our feelings define us or shape our reality.
We don’t have to dwell in those very real emotions because God strengthens, helps, and upholds (supports, maintains, and sustains) us. He gives us courage and stability.
We’re not dismissing our feelings here. We’re acknowledging them, which is healthy, and then putting them up against God’s promises. We’re refusing to dwell in them and instead are looking for his strength, support, encouragement, help, etc. We identify where he’s doing these things through the people, ideas, opportunities, etc. in our lives.
Our feelings are real, but so is God’s power, authority, and strength. I get to choose what creates my focus and where my focus dwells, and focusing on God results in overcoming the very powerful feelings of dismay.
How do we exercise faith when we’re dismayed?
This isn’t about manifesting, either; it’s about seeing what’s already there. I’m not creating my reality by working toward and picture it. I’m seeing it by looking for and focusing on it.
Manifesting is about bringing something into your life through the power of intention, belief, and action. With manifesting, thoughts and beliefs influence reality. You focus your mind and energy on what you want to achieve or attract and then take steps toward making it happen. Manifesting is the combination of positive thinking, visualization, and taking proactive steps. Its focus is on the power of the mind and individual actions.
What these verses are directing us to do is a faith-based reliance on divine will and guidance. It’s about focusing on Gods righteousness – his moral perfection and guidance – in our lives instead of on any control we think we have or can have.
Move toward exercising your faith when you’re dismayed by asking yourself the following questions:
- Am I letting God direct what I do/don’t do by spending daily time praying and meditating on his word? Do I listen when I’m doing these things?
- Am I trusting him to work in other people’s lives, too? Or do I try to manipulate and control others and circumstances?
- Do I believe he gives strength and wisdom for what I need to do? If so, am I looking for that strength and wisdom?
Ultimately, trusting that God works for our good is at the heart of not being dismayed. This certainly bears out in the Bible, and it’s proven true in my own life as well.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
