How to Overcome Frustration

One thing I’ve noticed lately is how much I value peace. I have let a lot of things upset me lately, but I have also come to realize how the enemy uses frustration to get me out of peace.

As I realize the spiritual battle we are in, God is opening my eyes more and more to the devil’s tactics. While I realize that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, I don’t always clearly see the strategies that Satan uses against me.

For instance, I may realize when my husband and I aren’t getting along that the enemy is attempting to drive a wedge between us. But that realization may not come until we’ve already shared some words, you know what I mean? I would rather see the attack coming beforehand so I can stay in the spirit and not get in the flesh.

And it seems that everything I have tried to accomplish lately has been met with one obstacle after another. The opposition to Kingdom work is strong and can lead to much frustration.

Then I read social media posts that are stirring up anger and hatred with lies and deception. I want to respond but with love, grace, and truth, not more anger and strife. But the frustration!

One way the Lord has helped me with that is to see when the enemy is setting me up to get me upset. He knows that if I get upset, I will react in ways that cause strife, and the devil LOVES strife.

“Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting with strife.”

Proverbs 17:1, NIV

The enemy knows exactly what it takes to upset me; therefore, he is ready at any time to put those problems in my path. My job is to stop reacting to the upset setup. I have learned lately that I can react in the right way.

First, as soon as a problem comes along that I am tempted to get upset about, I have to stop and ask myself if this is something I can control. Usually, it’s something I can’t control. That’s why I get upset.

I like to be in control of my circumstances. I am learning to see that when something is beyond my control, I don’t need to let it steal my peace. Why waste time being upset about something I can’t do anything about? That has been my default mode for a long time, but I am tired of being baited by Satan. I’d rather just stay in peace.

“For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.”

1 Corinthians 14:33

If the problem is that which I can do something about (apologize or change an attitude or behavior), then I need to recognize the fact and respond accordingly. Sometimes the fault lies with me and I need to correct the problem. I can do so while maintaining a peaceful countenance.

“Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.”

Psalm 34:14

Second, once I determine that a problem is out of my control, I confess the Word of God over me and my situation. To confess means to agree with and say so. When the devil comes roaring like a lion, looking to devour relationships or steal my peace, I can get upset and start stewing and fussing, or I can seek the Lord in prayer and in His Word.

I can confess God’s Word over my family and take spiritual authority over the enemy. Our home is not his playground and neither is this ministry; it belongs to the Almighty because we belong to Him.

“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.”

Isaiah 26:3

I am not responsible for how others react, but I am responsible for how I react and the truth that I share.

We must remember our battle is a spiritual one. There is much being said right now that can cause anger, confusion, and strife. Ask the Lord for discernment and wisdom to know how He would have you respond.

Remember that truth in love is powerful. We may still face opposition, but we can choose to respond in ways that reflect peace and the Spirit of Christ.

Is the enemy using the upset setup in your life? Jesus is the Prince of Peace. Draw near to Him, stand for Truth, and maintain your peace.

“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.”

1 Thessalonians 3:16

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