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Disappointment Is An Opportunity
Spending Time In Nature: The Health Benefits
Brandon Perry
September 04, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 14 minutes
 | Have you felt the sting of disappointment lately? Discover how to turn disappointment into an opportunity. (Click or scroll down to continue) |
 | Learn about the physical, mental, and cognitive benefits of spending time in nature. (Click or scroll down to continue) |
Disappointment Is An Opportunity
“I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.” John 16:33
Have you felt the sting of disappointment lately?
Disappointment is an inevitable experience throughout life. Consider economic downturns, job losses, pandemics, wars, illness and disease, accidents, injuries, death, timing, aging, and weather catastrophes to list a few springboard events. But, it’s in our personal relationships that disappointments can pierce the heart so much deeper.
In fact, any person, thing, or experience that we attach substantial value to can cause us disappointment, for we live in a broken and fallen world. If we then weaken ourselves to the enemy and trust in our fleeting emotions (Jeremiah 17:9), we can sink to unimaginable depths, allowing a wave of depression and anxiety to drown us. We may find ourselves dangerously seeking fleshly pleasures to console an aching heart. There may also be the desire to seek revenge, or hold unforgiveness and resentment, derailing our relationship with the Lord (Matthew 6:14-15).
God Knows
You can be assured that Almighty God is not surprised with our disappointments as we are, for He knows the end of time from the beginning (Isaiah 46:9-10). He is in full control, for nothing happens in heaven and the universe without His permission. God’s Word says, Who is he who speaks and it comes to pass, if the Lord has not authorized and commanded it? (Lamentations 3:37-38). And, Jesus said, “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care” (Matthew 10:29).
Though we fall into disappointment, we can be assured God’s plans are always for our good (Romans 8:28), even when we can’t see Him working, for He is holy and can always be trusted. Every created element in this universe is temporal and imperfect (Matthew 6:19-20). God, however, will never break, fade, underdeliver, leave you nor forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:8).
Seek Jesus
When disappointment emerges, turn to Jesus. He knows disappointment having experienced it while He walked the earth (Isaiah 53:3). He will work it for your good and His glory. Make disappointment your footstool, to stand upon it while grasping the outstretched hand of Jesus. When you affix your eyes on Him, shift your mind and spirit, seeking the wisdom of the Holy Spirit. “How should I look at this, Lord?” You can be assured that a Christ follower will never be denied His wisdom:
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. (James 1:5)
Opportunity for Growth
While we can never avoid disappointing circumstances, we can greatly minimize its negative effects, stepping into a peace and faith that only Christ can provide (Philippians 4:7). As mentioned, when we shift our eyes and perspective onto Jesus, we discover that disappointment is a spiritual opportunity.
As a surrendered follower of Christ, identify as a suffering servant. Allow the Lord to make you stronger in your weakness, to become more like Jesus (2 Corinthians 12:9-11). Let disappointment be the wine press, for God to press you, and bring the sweet juice from you.
Pray that your disappointment can be an opportunity to:
Experience God’s presence and comfort in a way you could not previously
Allow God to use you in ways he could not before the disappointment
Allow God to use your suffering to guide you into His purpose in ways He could not before
Experience greater joy. We don’t have to always suffer. Disappointment can reveal what we may have been taking for granted. We develop more faith in the good plans the Lord has for us. It can challenge us to do better, be better, and plan better in Christ.
And if this is you, will you pray over this today, for God to make this change in you?
Lord Jesus, I come to you in a posture of total surrender to you. I repent and ask for Your forgiveness for any disobedience. Lord, you know my disappointment. Heal my heart. I forgive those who have hurt me. Make an opportunity to use my disappointment- to mold me into your likeness, and to bring all glory to you. I pray all of these things in your powerful and almighty name, Lord Jesus. Amen.
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Health
Spending Time In Nature: The Health Benefits
As seasons change into more comfortable weather, we find ourselves wanting to spend time outdoors- walking, hiking, running, or simply enjoying one’s self in the garden.
Spending time outdoors provides significant physical, mental, and cognitive benefits. It’s linked to reduced stress, improved mood and focus, and increased physical activity. Just two hours per week spent in nature is associated with better health.
Physical Health Benefits
Reduced blood pressure and heart rate: Contact with nature has a calming effect that reduces demands on the cardiovascular system
Increased physical activity: Green and blue spaces encourage walking, cycling, hiking, and other activities. People tend to exercise longer and more intensely outdoors.
Boosted immune system: Exposure to natural light increases vitamin D levels, which supports immune function. "Forest bathing" (spending time immersed in a forest) can also increase the white blood cells responsible for fighting tumors and viruses.
Improved sleep: Exposure to natural light, especially in the morning, helps regulate your body's circadian rhythm, leading to better sleep quality
Faster recovery from illness: Some studies indicate that patients who spend time outdoors may have quicker recoveries and need less pain medication
Aids healthy aging: Older adults who spend time outside report having more energy, better mobility, and fewer aches
Mental Health Benefits
Lowered stress and anxiety: Being in nature reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol. For the greatest effect, spend 20–30 minutes fully immersed in a natural environment.
Reduced depression risk: Regular access to green spaces is linked to a lower risk of depression. Exposure to sunlight increases the mood-boosting neurotransmitter serotonin.
Improved mood: Even short bursts of "green exercise"—physical activity in nature—can improve self-esteem and mood. Being in nature promotes positive emotions and reduces feelings of anger.
Enhanced mindfulness: Being outdoors can provide a mental restoration from overstimulation by allowing you to break from the fast pace of urban environments and practice mindfulness.
Did You Know?
Spending time outside regularly may prevent cumulative effects from stress, which could mean a lower risk for chronic disease, illness and mortality.
Research indicates that exposure to nature can be an effective coping strategy for those with chronic mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Prolonged immersion in nature and nature-based therapy programs have shown promise as a way of managing PTSD.
Even for those without serious mental health conditions, nature may help you manage emotions like loneliness, irritability and possibly even road rage.
Finally, there is evidence that nature exposure is associated with better cognitive function — like memory, attention, creativity and sleep quality.
Cognitive and Social Benefits
Better focus and concentration: Natural environments allow your mind to rest from mentally fatiguing tasks. This "attention restoration" improves concentration and attention.
Boosted creativity: Nature stimulates curiosity and helps refresh focus, which is critical for developing new ideas and problem-solving.
Improved memory: Short walks in nature have been shown to improve short-term memory
Enhanced social connections: Outdoor activities create opportunities to connect with friends, family, and other people in your community. Access to neighborhood parks is linked to a greater sense of community belonging.
How To Incorporate More Outdoor Time
Even small doses of nature can be beneficial. Try integrating these simple activities into your routine:
Take walking breaks: Leave your phone behind and go for a 15–20 minute walk around your neighborhood or a nearby park.
Have outdoor meals: Eat lunch or dinner on a porch, patio, or in a park for a change of scenery.
Add plants to your space: If you can't get outside, research shows that keeping indoor plants or having a window view of nature can reduce stress.
Walk or bike your commute: If possible, incorporate a park or green space into your commute to and from work or school.
Plan a weekend hike: Schedule a longer excursion to fully immerse yourself in a natural environment.
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