Have you ever had a pesky little annoyance creep into your heart and cause frustration, only to scroll social media a few minutes later and see a good friend’s post about a difficult trial or struggle she’s facing?

I let the small stuff dredge up petty negativity while my friend is going through a tough time.

The grip of conviction hurts. But instead of taking this correction as an opportunity to grow and change my habits, I simply turn the frustration inward.

I become frustrated with myself.

Thoughts like, “I should know better,” and “I’m a terrible person. I should be more thankful,” come to mind. I feel guilty. It’s not that I want to be frustrated with myself, but sometimes I question how someone who reads the Bible, prays, and studies God’s Word can mess up over and over.

Paul felt the same way.

“I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. I love God’s law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me….” Romans 7:21-23 NLT

But then in verse 25, Paul goes on to reveal this.

“Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…” Romans 7:25a

God gave us a sound mind, but our sinful nature is constantly at odds with the love of Jesus in our hearts and the peace of the Holy Spirit. That’s why as believers it is so important to pray continuously, read the Truth in God’s Word, and “meditate on it day and night.” (Joshua 1:8)

God’s Word tells us He corrects those He loves. (Hebrews 12:6) Knowing we will make mistakes and staying in constant awareness of God’s presence helps us to be open to correction. So those moments of conviction can draw us into a deeper gratitude for God’s goodness.

God doesn’t want me to dwell on my missteps, and He definitely does not want me to be frustrated with myself. These three words will help me overcome frustration with myself and move forward in Christ.

1. Awareness - Be aware of the Holy Spirit’s nudges when frustration threatens again.

2. Forgiveness - Ask God to forgive me instead of turning the frustration toward me.

3. Gentleness - Move forward with a more gentle spirit toward others and myself.

Awareness. Forgiveness. Gentleness. If you’re experiencing frustration today, whether it’s with your circumstances or with yourself, let these three words calm the war in your mind. God will “renew a right spirit within you” as frustration releases its grip. And what a beautiful spirit it is:)

Blessings,

Kristine

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“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?

woman working on laptop and getting frustrated. Title says, how to find freedom from frustration's power.

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!