Fighting Frustration

We recently ordered these awesome cabinets to be installed in our bonus room. They are this smoky kind of wood that gives off an “old west” charm.

I’ve been counting the days. Seriously. 

Plus, my Aunt and Uncle are coming in from California in about a week, so I really wanted this room to look finished. Guess what? I got a call on Saturday from the salesman telling me the too-cute glass doors that sealed the deal? They didn’t arrive with the shipment. As a matter of fact, they don’t even make the doors I ordered.

Really!? That’s not what you told me four weeks ago. 

Frustrations come in all shapes and sizes. My cabinets couldn’t be less important, especially if you’re waiting on test results, or you’ve lost your job, I know this. But, how do you handle it when what you expected doesn’t happen? How do you deal with frustrations?

Pastor Rick Warren gives five great tips below on how to handle frustrations when they come. And, they will come…

• Ask yourself, “Did I cause it?” The Bible says, “A man reaps what he sows” (Galatians 6:7b NIV). We are frustrated by many things in life because we bring them on ourselves.
• Ask yourself, “What can I learn from it?” Romans 8:28 says, “In all things God works for the good of those who love him.” There are many bad things in the world, but all things work together. God can even take the negative and turn it into a positive if we let him. Use irritation as an opportunity to become more like Christ.
• Thank God in the situation. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “Give thanks in all circumstances.” You don’t have to be thankful for a bad situation, but you can be thankful in a bad situation. Frustration may be a blessing in disguise.
• Turn the frustration into a funny, humorous event. The Bible says, “A cheerful heart is good medicine” (Proverbs 17:22). A sense of humor is God’s antidote for anger and frustration.
• Ask God to fill you with his love. Why? Because 1 Corinthians 13:5 says, “[Love] is not easily angered.” Love is self-giving, not self-serving. We get irritated because we think everyone and everything has to revolve around us. Love concentrates on the other person.

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. – Rick Warren

Great words right there. As far as my cabinets go, no I didn’t cause this problem. I guess I can learn to hold on to “stuff” a little more loosely and thank God for something better I may not even be aware of. How can I make this situation funny? Hmmm…..I’ll work on that and get back to you.