How Is It Possible to Manage Frustration?

Frustration can be used as a positive motivation to make better decisions, to find a new purpose for living as well as experience more enjoyment in each day. Living on the cutting edge of frustration is a recipe for overreacting to the normal issues of life.

In Jesus’ day a Roman soldier had the legal right to command any citizen to carry his backpack for one mile. Walking was the basic means of travel for most people, so imagine carrying a soldier’s backpack for a mile. Jesus instructed his followers to go an extra mile, for then it was a choice.

Choosing diminishes frustration, especially by realizing God is at work to help process what is most important at the moment of frustration. To prevent frustration from producing self-defeating behaviors, realize Jesus is present and active and ready to help you choose at the actual moment of whatever you’re experiencing.  

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The Lord is good to those who hope is in him, to the one who seeks Him. It is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.

~Lamentations 3:25-26 New International Version

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Fightings Within, Fears Without: Come to God - Part 1

Self-condemnation is often caused by expectations that are impossible to achieve which pave the way for blame, defensiveness and guilt to surface. Criticism from significant others creates a lack of self-acceptance and will generate internal and external conflict. Imagine the emotional pain produced by a negative perception of oneself.

Coping with low self-esteem through eating disorders, substance abuse and other harmful behaviors tends to exaggerate internal strife. Self-condemnation makes it difficult to feel loved and accepted by God and others. As difficult as it is to achieve, the objective is to change a negative perception of oneself to self-acceptance.

The Apostle Paul declared, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” Choosing to be vulnerable for God to cleanse the heart, soul and mind of guilt diminishes self-condemnation. 1 John 1:7 reassures me that the blood of Christ Jesus cleanses me from every sin. Thank God for his grace and mercy and for new a beginning.  

Navigating the Path of Change - Part 3

Change is a given as we roll with the flow of life. A common occurrence is needing to adjust to unexpected events like health problems or political manipulations, in addition social issues that make life stressful. Superficial changes are made easily, but deeper emotional and spiritual changes require significant energy and commitment.

Angry, critical people may not be aware of the destructive effects their attitudes and behaviors have on themselves and others. In the early morning hours of sleeplessness, a friend asked God for help to see solutions to critical problems he faced. Learning to control what provokes an angry, critical verbal attack is required for change to occur.

While solutions may seem impossible, God is capable of surprises. He promises help to those who sincerely seek change through godly insight and understanding and who will accept the solutions he offers. God is faithful and always acts in your best interest.  

Choose to Control Your Weaknesses: God Will Help - Part 1

It's never been easy to live the Christian life. Every age has enticements that instigate sorrow and pain. There’s something about the human spirit that will flirt with what is tempestuous. God's Word consistently warns us about evil forces that destroy our happiness. A catchy news magazine article focused on the vulnerabilities of children and teenagers.

Children are not the only ones influenced by evil predators. Addiction to pornography is a worldwide adult scourge. Searching for excitement to substitute for the ordinary realities of life drives a person to flirt with evil. This flirtation makes individuals vulnerable to deception.

In Numbers 22 Balaam allows himself to be deceived and then to do what God warned him not to do. Evil gained a powerful foothold in his heart and soul.  Listen to St. Paul’s challenge. "Be careful, then, how you live, not as unwise, but as wise, making the most of every godly opportunity because the days are evil." These words are from God and are wonderful advice.