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

You’d think after sharing last week’s devotion I would’ve broken up with frustration.

Thrown it away.

Sent it back to where it came from.

But that wouldn’t be entirely accurate. You see, I realized an important truth about frustration this week. Like anything I practice over and over, frustration can become a habit.

And habits are hard to break.

“Get rid of all bitterness…” Eph. 4:31 NLT

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. Paul tells the believers at Ephesus in today’s verse to get rid of bitterness. Throw it away. Send it back where it came from. But why is it so hard to get rid of it? How can we fall back into feelings of frustration so easily?

Frustration feeds on an overworked soul.

Time and time again I’ve given into frustration. Just two short days after beginning this month’s conversation here on the blog, I allowed an unexpected twist in my plans to spark a gripe session. This was a busy weekend for us, filled with fun family activities. But with those good times can come 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 I give it, the stronger it gets.

Frustration gives me 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. These quick fixes may help me breathe a sigh of relief that lasts a minute or two, but they don’t give my heart what it longs for, which brings us to the Truth about frustration…

When I tell God about my frustration, His peace wipes away its power.

There’s something miraculous that happens when I begin sharing those frustrating moments 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

Now that we’ve uncovered the truth, we can make that daily commitment. Instead of falling back into the habit of feeling frustrated, let’s be aware when frustration tries to take control again. Let’s allow the Holy Spirit to replace our #feelingfrustrated with #feelingcalm.

Blessings,

Kristine