It Is Time To Step Away

Frustration – noun – Definitions from the Merriam-Webster dictionary are:  “the act of frustrating”; “the state or an instance of being frustrated”; “a deep chronic sense or state of insecurity and dissatisfaction arising from unresolved problems or unfulfilled needs”; “something that frustrates”.  A few synonyms to the word are:  aggravation; exasperation; annoyance.

Do any of those definitions and/or synonyms ring any bells with anyone else besides me?  There are times that so much frustration builds in my heart and mind that I feel like I need to scream.  

In one commentary I read, they pointed out some ways that frustration can affect us.

1. It can create anger in our being.  But, Ecclesiastes 7:9 (GW) says:  “Don’t be quick to get angry, because anger is typical of fools.”  We need to seek peace and calm.  

2. It can often lead to anxiety and worry.  But, Philippians 4:6-7 (MSG) says:  “Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.”  We can look forward to peace and strength in our life.

3. It can drain our energy and leave us feeling weary.  But, Isaiah 40:31 (CEV) says:  “But those who trust the Lord will find new strength.  They will be strong like eagles soaring upward on wings; they will walk and run without getting tired.”  Our lives can be revitalized.

4. It can become disheartening, leading to it taking a toll on our mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.  Then where do we turn?  Matthew 11:28-30 (ERV) says:  “Come to me all of you who are tired from the heavy burden you have been forced to carry. I will give you rest. Accept my teaching. Learn from me. I am gentle and humble in spirit. And you will be able to get some rest. Yes, the teaching that I ask you to accept is easy. The load I give you to carry is light.”  We can lean into God for our sanity.

5. It can create a downward spiral that will result in discouragement and a separation from God.  Psalm 42:11 (TLB) says:  “But, O my soul, don’t be discouraged. Don’t be upset. Expect God to act! For I know that I shall again have plenty of reason to praise him for all that he will do. He is my help! He is my God!”  We can’t allow ourselves to dwell on the negative – we need to refocus.  

To prevent frustration from overtaking us and leading to any of those negative responses, we need to lean into what God’s Word tells us.

When we see what we perceive as injustices and/or people living dishonest, unholy lives yet enjoying success, while others trying hard to be good, honest people suffer, it can create a lot of frustration.  But God’s Word has an answer for that too – Psalm 37:7 (NLT) says:  “Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act.  Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.”  We should never forget that God will justly rectify it all in His perfect timing – we need only be concerned about ourselves and living our best lives with God’s help.

For myself, with the frustrations that I allow to penetrate my mind and soul at times, I need to recognize that it is time to step away.  

I need to build my faith, patience and trust in His divine ability to handle it all.  Jesus said: “I have told you these things so that you will be whole and at peace. In this world, you will be plagued with times of trouble, but you need not fear; I have triumphed over this corrupt world order.”  John 16:33 (VOICE)  

I need to focus on words of encouragement like Isaiah 41:10 (CEV):  “Don’t be afraid. I am with you.  Don’t tremble with fear.  I am your God.  I will make you strong, as I protect you with my arm and give you victories.”  

I need to be more cautious.  “Listen, open your ears, harness your desire to speak, and don’t get worked up into a rage so easily, my brothers and sisters. Human anger is a futile exercise that will never produce God’s kind of justice in this world.”  James 1:19-20 (VOICE)  

I need to take a deep breath and stay calm – “You will not have to do anything but stay calm. The Lord will do the fighting for you.”  (Exodus 14:14 ERV)

Is it time for you to step away from the frustrations of life?

Written by Karran Martin – July 19, 2024