Tackling Frustrations

Each day we are dealt our fair share of frustrations.  The definition of frustration is the feeling of being upset or annoyed, especially because of inability to change or achieve something.  I think there's more to pesky little frustrations than what meets the eye.  Let's stop for a minute and think about what frustrates us and where it starts.  For me, it starts in my mind.  I will begin to think about something that bothers me and then resentment will begin to build.  Resentment gives way to anger and before you know it I have opened my mouth and blown it.  Proverbs 14:17  "A quick-tempered (wo)man does foolish things."  Frustrations to me are a warning light.  If I begin to start dwelling on all the frustrations in my mind and allow them to gradually gain momentum, I will most definitely cause every one's world around me to grow dark.  Oh they start small, but the damage they can do.  We must stop them before they cause us to stumble.  Tackle the small frustrations in life before they tackle your testimony.  In Proverbs 14:3, we are told the lips of the wise protect them.  If these frustrations start in your mind, we better begin our line of defense before they start downward toward our mouths. 

There are things in life which are obvious to us and make our lives difficult.  These we can see clearly and begin our plan of attack.  It's the small things that can take us down a path we don't want to be on.  How many times do we grow frustrated and before we know it we have allowed those frustrations to  wreak havoc on those we love, then we feel regret for how we handled it?  This is what I'm talking about, The little frustrations that make their way to victory.  Their victory is our defeat.  Even though these frustrations seem small, we must catch ourselves before we allow them to stir in us something much larger - discontentment - and they will!  As I began to try and devise our game plan for how to defeat them, I was overwhelmed with how much God has given us in His word to help.  I had to actually stop myself, because if I wrote all of His incredible scriptures that can guide us through this, I would be writing into next week.  First of all we must let the Lord lead us and trust Him to help.  Psalm 37:5 "Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this."  With all our hearts we must trust the Lord and not our own judgment. Always let Him lead us , and He will clear the road for us to follow.  The key words here - "not our own judgement".  This is where we get trapped.  Proverbs 3:5-6 " Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."  What does this look like?  When your frustrations are building, tighten your lips and submit to Him, run to Him, cling to Him.  He will provide a way and with His way we find a peacefulness in our hearts because we were faithful and trusted Him.  His word is true!  Don't worry about anything , but pray about everything . With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and request to God . Then , because you belong to Christ Jesus , God will bless you with peace that only one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel.  Philippians 4:6-7  "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."   1 Peter 5:7  "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."  James 1:19  "My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry."  (Another reminder from James - bite the tongue)  When we are in the game and fighting these frustrations, we tell ourselves we aren't winning if we aren't fighting for our rights.  Sister, there is one Who is much more capable of fighting for you.  Let Him step in on your behalf.  Galatians 6:9  "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time (His timing) we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."  Tackling our frustrations, controlling our thoughts, taming our tongues are all the things that make us weary - but we are told here to not grow weary.  We will reap a harvest if we stay faithful and don't give up.    Psalm 42:11 " Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God."
 
"Commit to God whatever burden He has placed on you. Don’t just cast it aside, but put it over onto Him and place yourself there with it. You will see that your burden is then lightened by the sense of companionship."  Oswald Chambers