How Can You Overcome Vicious Circles?

Greed is easily attributed to those who deprive you of possessions, privileges, or a position. The critical question is, what do I yearn for and spend an inordinate amount of time thinking about? If it’s just wanting more, is it time to rearrange your priorities?

The initial drive to acquire things begins in childhood, innocently fostered by parents’ desire to provide their children with what they believe will make them happy. When given freedom of expression, greed has the power to distort common sense.

Overindulgence lays the foundation for being unable to impose self-boundaries. Desiring more, obtaining it, becoming discontented defines a vicious circle that produces entrapment and emptiness. Jesus offers a way out in Matthew 11:28-29: “Come to me all of you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me.” This invitation is for you. Why not accept it now? 

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And now fix your eyes on what is true and good and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely, and dwell on the fine, good things in others. Think about all the things you can praise God for and be glad about.

~Philippians 4:8 The Living Bible

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In What Ways Does God Intervene When Frustration Comes?

Preventing frustration in everyday life seems impossible. On every turn through our daily lives, small aggravations tend to arise to disrupt our best plans. These situations may seem to sabotage our tools, machinery or electronics, which may suddenly shut down and cause havoc to reign and sabotage what should have been a good day.

Frustration can become so exaggerated that it seems all of life is in disarray. At this point, anxiety and worry tend to interfere with our ability to correctly evaluate the issues. Unfortunately, high levels of frustration can produce self-defeating thoughts and behaviors.

While God does not create hardship, he gives strength to endure. Listen to Isaiah 40:31: “But those who trust in the Lord for help will find their strength renewed. They will rise on wings like eagles; they will run and not get weary; they will walk and not grow weak.” You can learn how to manage frustration in ways that are productive.        

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“Come to me all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke and put it on you, and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit; and you will find rest.”

~Matthew 11:28-29 Good News Bible

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Trading Old Habits for God's New Way of Life

For some new believers in Jesus Christ, old habits from a previous lifestyle can remain appealing. What is not often understood is that new habits such as reading the Bible, worshiping God, and making new friends must be formed and nurtured daily.

The Israelites refused to believe that God was aware of their troubles as they made their way to the Promised Land. They began to regress to behaviors they had learned from the Egyptians. This regression proved to be painful with severe consequences.

It's impossible to escape the stress and strife that visit each person’s life. However, Christians can face problems with confidence because God never abandons his people regardless of the way stress is defined or of its source. Jesus gives us this invitation: "Come unto me all of you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me and you will find rest for your soul."  Never give up when troubles abound, for God loves you and will send help.  

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I waited patiently for God to help me; then he listened and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out from the bog and the mire, and set my feet on a hard, firm path and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, of praises to our God. Now many will hear of the glorious things he did for me, and stand in awe before the Lord, and put their trust in him.

~Psalm 40:1-3 The Living Bible

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