MAY 24th…FRUSTRATION!! HOW TO HANDLE IT!! There is no way to avoid the feeling of being frustrated when things don’t go the way you planned them, or when people don’t do the things they are supposed to do. We often find ourselves feeling frustrated when we can’t fix what is wrong at the moment. Frustration is often a result of our own failures and feeling disappointed in ourselves. We find ourselves in a state of frustration because we find ourselves unable to control things. Jesus faced constant frustrations, but he never got irritated. He always made time for people. We get so preoccupied with our own things that we forget that people are the priority in life. There is only one way to overcome frustration. (Isaiah 26:3 You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.) Frustration can be handled by taking these simple steps. 1. Ask yourself, did I cause this frustration myself? Often our frustration is something we have brought on ourselves by selfish actions. 2. Ask yourself, what can I learn from this frustration? If all things work together for my good, then there is something good to be learned by this situation we are in. 3. Thank God that you are not facing this frustration alone. Whether you, someone else, or something out of your control caused this feeling, God is still walking through it with you. You are not by yourself. 4. Let love control your actions, not bitterness or hatred. The Bible says love does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no records of wrongs. May sure you handle your frustration with these simple steps and you will not be left with a feeling of seeking revenge or getting even with someone and you will not be left with a feeling of disappointment with yourself. Put a joyful thought in your mind and turn your frustration into faith. Your day will thank you for it. Pastor Don