Five Practical Steps for Handling Frustration

In summary of Isaiah 26:3 it says, “You, Lord, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm and put their trust in you.”

Bottom Line:

The Lord gives peace to those who keep firm in their purpose and put their trust in you.

What this means to me:

If I can keep my purposes firmly in mind and keep putting my trust in him, he will provide to me perfect peace in what I do.  I came across a study this morning which suggested the following steps for dealing with any frustrations I might be facing.

• First ask myself, "Did I cause it?" God’s word says, "A man reaps what he sows." (Galatians 6:7 NIV)   I can be frustrated by many things in life because I bring them on myself.
• Next ask, "What can I learn from it?" Romans 8:28 says, "All things work together for good." (NIV)  There are many bad things in the world, but all things work together. God can even take the negative things and turn it them into positives if I will let Him. I can use irritation as an opportunity to become more like Christ.
• Thank God in the situation. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, "In everything give thanks." (NIV) I don't have to be thankful for a bad situation. But I can be thankful in a bad situation. Frustration can be a blessing in disguise.
• Turn the frustration into a funny, a humorous event. The Bible says, "A cheerful heart is good medicine." (Proverbs 17:22 NIV)  A sense of humor is God's antidote for anger and frustration.
• Ask God to fill you with His love. Why? Because 1 Corinthians 13:5 says, "Love is not easily angered." (NIV)  Love is self-giving, not self-serving. I get irritated, because I think everyone and everything has to revolve around me. Love concentrates on the other person.

Jesus faced constant frustrations, but He never got irritated. He always made time for people. I can get so preoccupied with my own things that I forget that people are the priority in life.