Can Christians feel disappointment with God? Is it wrong to experience disappointment with God?

TL;DR:

Feelings of disappointment are not inherently sinful, even disappointment with God. However, we should not stay in our disappointment but move forward in trusting in Him and looking forward to the good things He has for us.

what does the bible say?

Disappointment is something we all experience this side of eternity. Disappointment with God is also something that believers and unbelievers can experience. Oftentimes, our disappointment has to do with our timing not lining up with God’s timing or God not doing things like we think He should. In such cases, it is good to remember that God doesn’t think like us (Isaiah 55:8–9). Even though we might not always see it immediately, God’s plans are good (Ephesians 2:10), and they will come to pass because He is a God of faithfulness. But they will happen in His timing and in His way. In John 14:1–3, Jesus tells His disciples: “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” Similar to the disciples, we must not let our hearts be troubled when we are facing difficult circumstances, such as disappointment with God. Instead, we can look forward to the good things He has in store for us, even if we can’t see them yet, or they are in the next life.

from the old testament

God does not abandon His children nor His plans for their lives. We must learn to be patient and trust that He will come through. When we are disappointed with God, our faith is most tested, and we can see where our trust lies. We can choose to believe in His goodness and wait on His faithfulness (Psalm 27:14).
Our disappointment with God points to our own misguided perceptions and expectations. We get disappointed over something we wanted a certain way not turning out how we expected. In reality, we do not know what is in our best interests. We do not always understand the ways of God and His purposes. His ways are not our ways; His thoughts are not our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8–9).
Habakkuk and Jeremiah are two examples of prophets who faced disappointment with God, but they did not let their disappointment stay there. Instead, they expressed it to Him and turned their trust and focus to Him, which changed their outlook from despair to praise.

from the new testament

While it is not wrong to feel disappointment with God, it is also not a good emotion to hang on to. When we feel disappointed, we need to remind ourselves of God's great love for us. He has good things planned for our lives (Ephesians 2:10).
Instead of letting our hearts be troubled over things not turning out the way we wanted, we can trust that God has a future for us to look forward to (John 14:1–3). Though we will experience much pain and disappointment in this life, we won’t be disappointed in what comes when we enter into eternity with God.

implications for today

Disappointment with God is a difficult emotion. It can cause us to question God's character, our commitment to God, our worth, and so on. When we are disappointed with God—or, more accurately, with what we perceive God to be doing in our lives—we can find ourselves angry, despondent, or simply resigned. However, we are not without hope. Although in Jeremiah 29:11, God is speaking specifically to Jewish exiles, we can see His character that is still active today: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” We may not always understand what God is doing in our lives, and it is not wrong to be disappointed with Him. However, as God’s adopted children, we must remember that God is worthy of our trust and commitment. He is the Good Shepherd who will protect His flock—He will not abandon us: “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. I and the Father are one” (John 10:27–30).

understand

Disappointment with God often happens when He does not do what we think He should do or when He doesn’t act in our timing.
We can experience disappointment with God, but we should not stay there.
When we bring our disappointment with God to Him, He often helps us see a different perspective and turns our despair into praise.

reflect

In what things are you prone to experience disappointment with God?
How do you express your disappointment with God?
What is helpful for you to do when you feel disappointment with God, so you don’t remain there?

engage

Why is it important to express our disappointment with God but not stay there?
How can we encourage each other to express our disappointment with God in a way that is fruitful and does not lead to sin?
How can we help others in seasons of disappointment with God?