Frustration: the feeling of being upset or annoyed, especially because of inability to change or achieve something. In psychology, it is a common emotional response to opposition. Related to anger and disappointment, it arises from the perceived resistance to the fulfillment of individual will. Causes can be internal or external. Internal frustration may arise from challenges in fulfilling personal goals and desires. Another cause may be conflict; when one has competing goals that interfere with one another; it can create mental stress or discomfort by an individual who holds two or more contradictory beliefs, ideas, or values at the the same time, or is confronted by new information that conflicts with existing beliefs, ideas, or values (cognitive dissonance). External causes of frustration involve conditions outside the individual, such as a blocked road or a difficult task.
Defining issues actually help in overcoming them. Finding out what is really going on better equips someone to eradicate those things that interfere with the Christlike nature in us. Similar to medicine, you cannot merely treat symptoms and hope to get well. You have to find the root cause, and treat it before the symptoms go away. What would be better, medicating the pain or getting rid of the cause of the pain? Some prefer pills to surgery , because it seems to be the lesser of the two. Spiritually speaking, some keep treating symptoms and wonder why they keep returning. They refuse to do what is necessary to walk in victory. When emotions are like a runaway freight train, you need to find out what’s driving them. You cannot merely try to put on the brakes and hope it slows to stop. There’s still a conflict going on. You have to shut or idle down the engine if you don’t want the brakes to fail. A proper functioning engine works well with the brakes to control the train. Out of control emotions are a symptom that something is wrong.
In relation to frustration and the emotions attached to it, there are some steps that can help us navigate to the place of peace. The ones given here are not necessarily in order, except the first one: start with God. By yielding to the the Holy Spirit, peace will rule in your heart. It is a part of the fruit of the Spirit, which means, it is a peace beyond our natural capacity. God’s grace enables us to say yes. When His peace floods our heart, the negative emotions are pushed out. It is much easier to address the source of frustration from the position of peace. It gives us a clear mind to see things more accurately. Sometimes emotions make it difficult to yield to the Holy Spirit. The Father gave us a wonderful gift that helps us settle into His peace: thanksgiving and praise.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. We are exhorted to offer thanks in all things. That is, “in” all things; not “for” all things. Thanksgiving centers us back into contentment. Being grateful destroys the entitlement mentality that often accompanies frustration. As stated: start with God. Can we be grateful for God alone? Solely focusing on our desires, ambitions and the things of this world can choke out gratitude and contentment. Trying to focus on the things of God and of the world equally, will cause conflict. One has to win. Peace depends on which one wins. You have to decide. Matthew 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. We are not home yet. Jesus is our exceeding great Reward. Isn’t He enough? Compared to Him, what does the world have to offer that could cause you to be discontent? As you offer thanks and praise for all God has done, you will find peace flooding in; however, you have to be intentional. One advantage our mind offers is that it can override the emotions. We can decide to praise God, even when we don’t feel like it. Purpose in everything to bless and honor Him first, then go to the second part of step one: ask for wisdom.
James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that gives to all men liberally, and upbraides not; and it shall be given him. Truly, seeing clearly requires the Fathers’ perspective. Sometimes conflict and frustration can simply be the result of stepping out of His will. He may set up a roadblock because we’re driving down the wrong road, especially, if there is a bridge out. Of course, conflict will come because we are in His will. Our journey in completing His will encompasses many things. Part of it includes the process of our becoming like Jesus. If you recall, in the definition of frustration, it mentions conflict between two opposing ideas, or beliefs one may hold at the same time. God often puts speed bumps in the road that causes us to slow down and examine our belief system. What we believe influences who we are and what we do. Anything contrary to His nature will surface when you hit one of those bumps. We cannot expect to fulfill His desires if we don’t believe or think the way He does.
When God gives you insight, and you embrace His remedy; the conflict will go, and along with it, frustration. Opposition is an opportunity to manifest victory. By the grace of God, we can have peace instead of frustration in the time of opposition. Learning to walk in peace is a process, so don’t get frustrated with yourself if you do not get it right every time. Be patient with others as well.
