The Purpose of Frustration

In review of Proverbs 12:16 it reminds me that “When a fool is annoyed, he quickly lets it be known. Smart people will ignore an insult” (GNT).

When someone annoys or insults me, it is natural to want to retaliate. But this solves nothing and only encourages trouble. Instead, stay calm and answer slowly and quietly. My positive response will achieve positive results. I'm reminded in Proverbs 15:1, "A gentle answer deflects anger."

I will encounter people who create so much frustration.

A slow driver in the fast lane?

A coworker who refuses to apologize?

An ungrateful friend?

The rude and obnoxious neighbor?

The demanding, demeaning, and disapproving family member?

It’s easy to develop an unhealthy response to frustration. I may try to avoid difficult people, but denial only delays the problem. It doesn’t solve it. I may try to make them happy, but some people will never be happy. No matter what they do, it’s not good enough.

How can I respond like Jesus?

Consider the fact that God has put these people in my life to be “heavenly sandpaper.” Although I’m irritated, God is using them to take off my rough edges. God is more interested in my character than my comfort.

Learn to look past their behavior to see their pain. Hurt people will often hurt others. They’re full of fear and insecurity. Maybe they’re shouldering a pressure I don’t know about.

Instead of dismissing these frustrating people from my life, look at them as a gift from God to help you become more like Christ. Frustration reveals something in me, and I can give this to God by having a change of heart.

“God, help me to be more patient.”

“God, help me to be better at apologizing.”

“God, help me to be more thankful.”

Frustration also gives me the opportunity to show grace to others. One of the reasons God has forgiven me is so that I can reflect this forgiveness to others. That can’t happen if I don’t get frustrated!

In summary, If I'm being foolish, it will be shown in my reaction. On the other hand, if I’m smart, I’ll learn to ignore and stay cool when insulted. It's natural for me to want to retaliate, but that will only encourage trouble and not resolve it. I need to stay calm and answer slowly and quietly. A positive response on my part will achieve positive results. It's easy to develop an unhealthy response to frustration. I can learn to respond like Jesus by considering the fact that God has people these people in my life to be "heavenly sandpaper", to take off my rough edges. Afterall God is more interested in my character than in my comfort. Look at them as a gift from God to help me become more like Christ. Frustration gives me the opportunity to show grace to others, just like God has shown me. None of this would happen if I never get frustrated. 

It seems like everyday I experience some form of frustration. I need to consider how God is using these experiences to take off my rough edges. He wants me to show and reflect the grace he has given me to others. Let my life be an example, let me be a calming force for others. When frustrating situations occur, I need to learn to take a moment before responding and think how Jesus would respond and do that.

This morning Father I pray for your Spirit to remind me of these things in my responses. Help me to think of situations differently and from your eyes instead of them being annoyances. Let me serve by being an extension of you today. I also pray for wisdom and guidance for my day, my leadership and my interaction with others. This I pray through your Son Jesus name, amen.