When Things Don’t Turn Out the Way You Want

Nov.12-01-300x259I probably don’t have to tell you that life can be filled with frustrations. Look around and you will see plenty that can frustrate you.

There are more than enough events to ruin your day and aggravate you throughout life.

The issue is not about frustrations. The issue is how you deal with them.

In life, you will have plenty about which to be frustrated and upset. You have to decide how you’re going to react.

What can you do to deal effectively with the frustrations of life?

First, you must accept reality. Aggravations come to everyone. The reasons for aggravation and frustration are myriad.

Think about them: sitting in traffic, ineffective and inattentive sales people or grocery store clerks, people who were supposed to do something and didn’t do it. The list is endless, but this is just the reality of life. The sooner you accept reality the better your life will be.

Second, plan for frustration and aggravation. Go ahead and schedule frustrations into your calendar. Assume that things are going to happen that will hinder your day. Please remember you’re not the only one under time pressure. You’re not the only person who lives with stress. Lack of time and heavy stress means that you will deal with people who don’t know what to do next. That’s frustrating.

Third, begin your day by praying for the peace of Christ that passes all comprehension. The Bible promises us that when we pray about everything we don’t have to be frustrated about anything. Praying about everything will open the door for the peace of Christ to enter our lives. “Don’t be anxious about anything but in everything with thanksgiving make your requests known to God, and the peace of God that passes all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6–7).

Fourth, instead of being frustrated, look for someone to bless. People who need a blessing are everywhere. They, too, are frustrated, but they don’t have any spiritual resources to help them with their frustration. You can help them. Give your best to God by caring for hurting people around you.

There is something very healing about helping another person.

May God bless you as you go through the frustrations of life and as you help other people to navigate the difficult waters of aggravation and frustration.

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