Dealing with Frustration and Anger
As I've gotten older it’s become harder to keep calm in situations that aren’t ideal. Frustration with certain people or places can fester and create a hostile and negative mindset. Feeling sudden anger and frustration are completely normal but we shouldn't cling to those feelings for a long time. It only causes more issues and goes directly against God’s wishes.
Psalm 37:8 “Don’t give into worry or anger; It only leads to trouble.” Acting on your anger leads to decisions you might regret later on. When we’re upset our mind isn't in the best condition to think before we speak. It’s important when you're upset to take a moment to breathe and pray that God gives you patience and peace. After taking a moment to breathe, you can choose to act in kindness instead of anger. Whatever situation or person that has made you angry, take a moment to pray for that person to be blessed or to pray for positive things over any conflict you might have. Sometimes you might even be given the opportunity to do something nice for someone you feel has wronged you; you should take that chance to choose kindness. Romans 12:21 “Don’t let evil get the best of you, But conquer evil by doing good.”
Every choice we make has consequences especially the ones we make out of pettiness. We've all heard the term, what goes around comes around and it’s true. Wishing ill on others or even thinking negatively of someone has a direct effect on our walk with the Lord. Matthew 5:22 “But I promise you that if you are angry with someone, you will have to stand trial. If you call someone a fool, you will be taken to court. And if you say that someone is worthless, you will be in danger of the fires of hell.” Proverbs 29:22 tells us that not only should we be cautious of our own actions, we should be keeping people who are quick to anger or judge at a distance. People that get frustrated and often take their anger out on others cause fights and problems.
When I was younger my mom used to tell me that I should never allow myself to go to bed angry and it wasn't until later that I realized her saying originated from a bible verse. Ephesians 4:26 “Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun set on your anger, and do not make room for the devil.” We can be angry but letting anger and frustration fester only makes room for the devil to do evil.
