Scripture helps teach us how to deal with frustration

Frustration is a common part of our lives. It can arise from personal struggles, family tensions, workplace pressures, financial issues, or the uncertainty of the world around us. Through all of this, frustration can shape our attitudes and how we respond to those around us. Learning how to deal with these frustrations can be considered an art form that we rarely ever master. We all have things that just do not work out right from time to time. These things cause us anger or hurt and raise our blood pressure, along with many other things. There are times we come home with this built up in us due to the traffic we had to face, the last-minute deadline, the phone call we just received, or because our plans fell apart. Those that feel the wrath of our frustration may not even have been part of the issue that arose. Many times we can lash out at those around us as we deal with our frustrations. As we lash out, we can push those closest to us away without even thinking about it. Frustration left unchecked can drain us of our joy. It can take away any pleasurable moments that we expected to enjoy. The simplest of things can become burdensome to us, and we are left dealing with our anger and resentment. Not reacting properly can keep us from finding joy and withdrawing ourselves, or worse yet, others no longer want to be in our company. Anger may feel warranted at the moment, and we find that as our justification for how we have acted. I have heard "old-timers" say, before they enter their house, they would wipe the frustrations of the day off and not bring it in on their families. They would leave it at the door, and as they left to return the next day, they would pick it back up and take it with them. They stood by the thought that they would not allow work to affect home nor would they allow home to affect work. But I wonder if this is beneficial or healthy. Why not learn to deal with it instead of continuing to carry it or pick it back up? The Bible teaches us in James chapter 1, verses 19-20, "Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God." Now, that sure will smack you in the face when reading it but carries much value if we would just heed to what it says. Frustration grows when we feel unheard or when we get to the point that we stop trying to understand. Pausing to truly listen creates space for clarity and understanding. Listening fully will slow the emotional rush that frustration feeds on. Then when we're frustrated, words come easily and often hatefully. James reminds us that restraint is not us showing weakness, but instead using wisdom. Choosing to pause before responding can prevent regret and keep a temporary irritation from becoming lasting damage. Just as we have heard, "Stop and count to 10." On the other end, anger feels justified in the moment, but it rarely leads where we hope. This verse doesn't demand instant calm. This verse calls for patience with ourselves and with the situation. Slowing anger gives God room to work in order to reshape our perspective, soften our reactions, and guide us toward peace. Let us learn to deal with the frustrations of life in the manner this scripture teaches us. Dealing with frustrations is an art form that we must master in this life. It may take some time to develop ourselves in this. Let us take the steps needed in order to deal with the frustrations of life. Rev. Steven Temple is the pastor of The Church on the Hill in Rose Hill, Virginia. You can reach him at pastor.steven.temple@gmail.com.