I often get frustrated. Sometimes it is with a difficult situation or person, often it is with myself. Frustration is defined as the feeling of being upset or annoyed because of an inability to change or achieve something.
Frustration is not a spiritual fruit - no matter how righteous or godly my goal is that is being blocked. I am frustrated when I rely on myself – on MY inability. I am frustrated when I’m not trusting God and His timing and work.
These are truths I need to keep in mind when frustrated at:
My sin. Continued sins in my life are discouraging and yes, frustrating. I do see His work in my life and need to be reminded that, though I am a new creation, I still fall and sin. Even Paul bemoaned that he still did that which he didn’t want to do.1 Be encouraged, o heart: I am a work in progress and will one day be completely sanctified in Him.
My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. 1 John 2:1
An inability to accomplish something. I have all the gifts and abilities, physically and mentally, that God chose to give to me. I am not missing anything He wants me to have. If I am using them diligently, then the results are in God’s hand.
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10
Another person. God commands me to love them. If I am frustrated by a consistent behavior of theirs, I need to remember two things. First, my own frailty and the grace God has shown me. And secondly, that it is up to God to bring change to them, not me, and its ok to have healthy boundaries if needed in the meantime. I am trying to learn this.
Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. Luke 6:27-28
A situation. God is sovereign and nothing is outside of His notice or care. I can rest that He is in control even in the most confusing or difficult situations.
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28
I am learning that frustration is born out of my reliance on self and not God. That is pride, lack of faith and self-centeredness. I want to learn to pour myself wholly into the work and the people around me, but learn to trust the outcomes to Him.
- For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Romans 7:15 ↩︎
