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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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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Can Emotions Be Productively Managed?

Managing emotions is a lifelong task whether in close relationships or with acquaintances at work, church, or in rush hour traffic. Managing frustration caused by stressful situations points to relationship issues that need productive change.

The majority of people manage emotions by taking ownership of situations that have resulted in conflict and hurt feelings. However some people refuse to express their thoughts and feelings in ways that can help dissipate the harmful effects of their fear and anger.

While it may seem impossible to trust others with your fear, anger, and guilt, God will provide safe opportunities to do so. He also provides the courage to seek forgiveness. Acknowledging what you feel and think through confession leads to forgiveness. Jesus will provide what you need when the time is right to seek others out to make things right.

Then you will have peace of mind.           

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Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.

~Hebrews 12:1-2 New American Standard Bible

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When Is Failure Predictable?

Fear is powerful as well as alarming, for it can control your life. William Shakespeare identified the source of fear in his play Henry VIII: “Suspicion always haunts the guilty mind.” Guilt is the consequence of doing wrong.

Failure in some ways is predictable, for every person is an imperfect human being. Every reasonable person is aware of this truth because everyone has sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. As we confess our sins to God, he forgives and cleanses us from all unrighteousness.

Jacob felt justified in cheating his brother Esau out of his birthright as well as the father’s blessing. So it took decades for him to accept his sin and seek forgiveness. 

God will help you accept his grace and mercy. This will free you from fear and guilt as you accept responsibility for whatever has to be cleansed from your heart and soul. Do it now! God bless you.  

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“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me your may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”

~John 16:33 New American Standard Bible

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What Is the Consequence of Unrelenting Suspicion?

Mismanaged emotions are a prime cause for alienation, separation, and divorce. What begins as a loving, trusting relationship deteriorates when suspicion and fear replace confidence and trust. Suspicion fosters possessive and controlling behavior.

The reason both justified and unjustified suspicion exist is lack of trust. Suspicion can be destructive, not only for the one possessing it, but for the one to whom it’s directed. Suspicion and fear inspire arguments and conflict.

The more suspicion is allowed to dominate, the more a relationship becomes dysfunctional. When Saul, the King of Israel, became suspicious of David, he tried to kill him. Saul’s fear was responsible for causing an inordinate amount of suffering and grief to David and to himself. God will heal fear and suspicion when they are surrendered to him without reservations, so trust him to do so. 

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Lord, heal me and I will be completely well; rescue me and I will be perfectly safe. You are the one I praise!

~Jeremiah 17:14 Good News Bible

Do not be afraid – I am with you! I am your God – let nothing terrify you! I will make you strong and help you; I will protect you and save you.

~ Isaiah 41:10 Good News Bible 

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How Can Anger Be Helpful?

Managing emotions is required for a person’s well-being and for healthy relationships. Frustration, anger, and fear are emotions that can be helpful and good, provided they’re expressed in ways to encourage helpful resolutions.

Mismanaged emotions are notorious for being out of control and inflicting such harm that recovery may never be forthcoming. However, negative emotions can be helpful when kept under control. God’s word tells us to be angry but not to sin nor let the sun go down on that anger.

God intended for anger to be used as a means for encouraging communication, for relating what you think and feel, but in ways that are non-offensive, that do not criticize or condemn. In this way you obey God by not letting the sun go down on your anger. While obeying this rule is difficult, it is not impossible when Christ Jesus is present.

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Praise the Lord, my soul, and do not forget how kind he is. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He keeps me from the grave and blesses me with love and mercy. He fills my life with good things so that I stay young and strong like an eagle.

~Psalm 103: 2-5 Good News Bible

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Is It Possible to Remain Calm in the Presence of Strife?

Have you ever planned a vacation that included a long road trip to see parts of the country and that promised enjoyment and excitement? Our lives and relationships often are compared to a journey that’s comprised of  predictability, some surprises, unexpected struggles, and moments of love and fulfillment.

Struggles and strife can catch us unprepared and surprised. Over- reacting emotionally often is caused by being caught off-guard and sensing a situation as threatening. Remaining self-composed can be difficult in the presence of angry or loud, defensive language.

Is it possible to remain calm when you are struggling emotionally? Yes! 

Look beyond the moment to understand what’s more important than reacting. Claim this promise from 2 Timothy 1:7: “God has not given you a spirit of fear but a spirit of love, power, and self-control.” What better promise can help you remain calm? May you be blessed with the peace of Christ in your heart and mind this Easter season.      

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Our God says, “Calm down, and learn [Be still, and know] that I am God!” 

~Psalm 46:10 Contemporary English Version [New International Version]

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