This morning our guest speaker Yan Hadley spoke on the subject of frustration. To overcome the frustration we often feel in life, we need to be filled with the Holy Spirit; He acts as the key which opens the door to life and fulfilment. Jesus gives us satisfaction and purpose in life.
Keys speak of potential and access if used. Acts 1:8 gives us key principles by which to live, for we need God’s power to live successfully for Him. As we receive God’s power, frustration is countered.
Four key principles to overcome frustration include:
1. We must take a decision to take positive action, demonstrating faith through our actions. This may well mean going against our natural inclinations or against natural wisdom. We are in a spiritual battle and must be strengthened by God’s power inwardly. James 4:7-8 urges us to submit to God and to resist the devil, which opens the door to God drawing near to us.
2. We must defend our minds against thoughts which are not from God. (Rom 8:5-6) We have to change how we think, dwelling on God’s word and God’s thoughts. Right thinking will always lead to right priorities.
3. We must develop a resurrection perspective. God has the last word; He can reverse the irreversible. The disciples on the road to Emmaus ‘had hoped’, but had lost hope. Jesus wants us to believe Him and see with God’s eyes (see Heb 12:2) Learning contentment is part of this perspective, because we are secure in God. (Phil 4:11)
4. We must determine to keep a joyful attitude and practise gratitude. Joy gives us the strength to combat frustration (see Neh 8:10) Habakkuk reminds us that we can rejoice no matter what the circumstances (see Hab 3:17-18) and can therefore conquer frustration because we are secure in God’s plans and purposes.