While reading a book the other day about how our decisions affect every area of our lives, it began to deal with the area of frustration. I could not seem to let that word go; I had to study it more and see what God’s Word had to say about it. So, here we go.

First, let us zero in on the meaning of frustration. The dictionary gives the definition as: to induce feelings of insecurity, discouragement, or dissatisfaction. When we are insecure, we are more likely to stay in our comfort zones instead of stepping into the plans God has for us. When we are discouraged, we are more likely to quit and give up on our pursuit of God’s plans for us. When we are dissatisfied, we are more likely to think our life and ministry is not as good as others. What I see in these definitions are the tools the devil uses against us. Jesus tells us in John 10:10 that “the thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy.” From this one Scripture we readily see that the purposes of frustrations are to steal from us. Think about it; if we are filled with insecurity, discouragement, and dissatisfaction, then there is no room in our heart for the peace of God.

John 16:33 tells us that we will have tribulations in this world but that Jesus has overcome the world. Tribulations come in the form of oppression, distress or suffering, and persecution. But God has given us the victory over every tribulation we might face through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:57) We find in First John 5:4 that it is our faith (in Jesus) that gives us the victory that overcomes the world. Hallelujah! This victory over frustration, or any other problem, comes when we keep our mind on Him. When our mind is focused on God and His Word, our faith is strong to trust God for the answers and victories that we need.

From my personal victory over such things as frustrations, discouragements, and dissatisfactions that come against me from time to time is to follow the instructions in Philippians 4:8 to think on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and good. When a person thinks on the goodness of God, they cannot help but rejoice in the Lord (Philippians 4:4); that brings us to praying with thanksgiving which keeps us from being fretful, anxious, or frustrated (verse6); and that brings the peace of God to our hearts as stated in verse 7.

I encourage you to monitor your thinking to be in line with Philippians 4:8; keep your heart joyful in prayer with thanksgiving; which brings the peace of God to your heart and pushes out the plans of frustration the enemy is bringing against you. Rejoice in the Lord always.