5 things to remember when frustrated

5 things to remember when frustrated

By DONNA BRAYMER

donnab@harrisondaily.com

This has been a strange week for our world —  maybe I should have said several months of strange. I’m saddened by the happenings in Afghanistan and there is nothing I can do except pray for the people and leaders to have wisdom … which in reality is the BEST anyone can do for others.

But we are so used to taking a casserole, sending flowers, writing a note — actually, physically doing something. 

Sadness and emptiness can easily result in frustration. I’m borrowing these points from Pastor and author, Rick Warren. Five steps to get over frustration. Ready? Or are you frustrated that frustration is my topic today?

First, ask yourself, “Did I cause this frustration myself?”

Of course on the world front, maybe my lack of prayer for our leadership led to poor decisions. But in reality that’s one I didn’t cause. Not preparing my lunch the night before or making sure clothes were clean —  that frustration can all be blamed on me. Spending too much time on social media can delay the morning commute and traffic can be frustrating. That’s all me!

But Galatians 6:7 is in the Bible, “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” I sure hope I’m planting better seeds now than I did in my teen years!

Second, “What can I learn from this frustration?” Well, don’t hit the snooze button for five more minutes, and decide what is for lunch the night before. Also look at the calendar the day before and make sure you don’t have any early appointments you need to remember. Romans 8:28 still says, “And we know all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” God has a plan. Doing my part and eliminating frustration that I cause allows me to see Him working in circumstances where I have no control. 

Third, Thank God IN the bad situation —  not necessarily FOR the bad situation. 

I.Thessalonians 5:16-18 reminds us, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

Even when very bad things happen, there is still the peace and presence of God to be thankful for. “I will never leave thee, nor forsake you!”

Fourth, Turn frustration into humor. Like the time I had a blue shoe and a black shoe on for church. Like the time I had to get a hotel clerk to back the church trailer up for me. There was also a time of highway construction in Kansas City and I kept going in circles … Here’s Kansas again. I need Missouri. The list could go on and on.

Fifth, Ask God to fill you with His love. Love concentrates on the other person. Jesus always had time for others. I. Corinthians 13:4-5 reads, “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil.”

I’m frustrated that I fall way short of that instruction. But honestly, that’s like the old song, “God’s still working on me.” I’m so thankful He doesn’t get frustrated with us. 

I’m loving the series The Chosen. I do feel the frustration of the men portraying the disciples. They know Jesus is God’s Son —  the promised Messiah and their Redeemer. But they are chomping at the bit for Jesus to wipe out all the inequities of the Roman occupation and take over as king —  right then! Sorry guys. It will be a while before Jesus rules as King of Kings.

When Jesus stopped to listen and heal someone, the disciples got more and more frustrated. Like pastor Warren says, sometimes we’ve caused it ourselves. But sometimes we just don’t understand. That frustration and sadness needs to be confessed to God. We need to remember He’s in charge. Jer 29:11 states He has the best planned for us. “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

Frustrations of a flat tire or a slow driver in front of you could be preventing you from something so much worse. But that’s often hard to swallow until you remember, “God is in control!”

I don’t know how many times my prayers start with, “Lord, I don’t know what you are doing!” Then I calm down a bit, lower my voice and thank Him for being in control and loving me in spite of all my shortcomings. 

The next time frustration hits you, stop and think about Pastor’s Warren’s thoughts and remember God loves you so much and wants you to pass that love around to others!