“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.” Ephesians 4:31 NLT
Frustration is an evil foe. We try to keep it from getting a hold on us, but if we let our guard down, it sneaks in without warning. We’re caught unaware as it makes its way into our hearts. Then, once it affects our minds, our words, and even those around us, we’re left to deal with the aftermath.
So, what do we do when we keep getting frustrated again and again?
Even when we pray, read Scripture, and allow God to change our hearts, frustration will continue if we don’t make a daily commitment to replace old habits with new ones.
Breaking the Habit of Getting Frustrated
In the verse above, Paul tells the believers at Ephesus to get rid of bitterness. Throw it away. But why is it so hard to “get rid” of bitterness and be done with it? Why do we fall back into feelings of bitterness and frustration so easily?
I’ve found in my own life that bitterness and frustration are often linked. When I feel bitter over a perceived wrong, I can fall into the trap of frustration over someone else’s actions or a situation beyond my control. And even if I’m trying hard not to let frustration show, it is so often written all over my face.
I may succeed in keeping frustration from escaping my mouth, while not realizing it’s still very present and real within my heart.
Frustration feeds on an overworked soul.
Usually, when frustration threatens, it’s at a time in my life when I’m either dealing with a full schedule or facing unexpected challenges. Just two days after beginning this month’s conversation about frustration here on the blog, I allowed an unexpected twist in my plans to frustrate me. That led to excessive griping and complaining. It was a busy weekend for our family, filled with fun activities. But with those good times came lots of late nights, traveling, and tiredness.
Busy days are not necessarily bad, but we need to be alert during those times when our schedules are unusually full. Frustration loves an overworked soul, and it has this pesky way of creeping in and causing disruption. And the more attention we feed it, the stronger it gets.
Frustration gives a temporary feeling of satisfaction. I can vent to my husband about my day, gripe about this and that on social media, or let life’s little annoyances get under my skin. I mistake these for quick remedies, and although they may help me breathe a sigh of relief that lasts a minute or two, they don’t give my heart the healing it needs.
Thankfully, God is gracious and gentle, and he longs for us to bring our frustration and bitterness to him.
When I tell God about my frustration, His supernatural peace wipes away its power.
There’s something miraculous that happens when I begin sharing the frustrations of this life with God. Instead of the anger growing bigger and bigger, His precious Spirit begins to soothe the tension I feel inside. God puts everything in perspective, and frustration’s power fades.
“Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7 NLT
Today, let’s accept God’s redeeming grace for times when we’ve allowed ourselves to be shackled by frustration and begin again with renewed freedom.
The Holy Spirit is working in us to replace the bitterness and frustration in our hearts with his gentleness and peace.
Blessings,
Kristine
Would you like to study more from Scripture about releasing bitterness and living in the abundance God has for you? Join the free 5-day email Bible study, How to Be Free from Bitterness, here. You’ll receive five days of email devotionals designed to help us find healing from the harmful effects of bitterness. I look forward to learning and growing with you!
