What to Do When Frustrated – Part Three

Fine counsel regarding frustration is found in Psalm 37: 7, “ Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!” Bottom line, cool it. To do so consider these biblical steps regarding what not to do. Don’t – – – .

* Resort to vindication. In their time of frustration many people try to find someone or something to blame in order to justify themselves. “They made me do it,” is a cover-all for all sorts of inexcusable attitudes and actions.

We cause our own frustration because of how we think.

Solomon wisely wrote: “As a man thinks in his heart so is he” (Proverbs 23:7). If an individual or a group gets to thinking they have been wronged and have the right to destructively retaliate, violence results.

Few people are willing to take responsibility for their own actions. Yet, “…each of us shall give an account of himself to God” (Romans 14: 12).

Never do wrong in order to get a chance to do right.

“Do not evil that good may come.”

“See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourself and for all”  (I Thes. 5:15).

Don’t resort to violence.

John the Baptist was God’s oracle who said, “Do violence to no man” (Luke 3:14).

Proverbs 16: 32 reminds us: “He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.”

* Violence may hurt others but it doesn’t help you.

Don’t go “ballistic”” over your frustrations.

Plato said, “The good man will suffer evil rather than do evil.”

* Don’t resort to vengeance.  Romans 12: 17 – 19 is a case study in how to respond without a vengeful spirit.

Live Honestly.  “Repay no one evil for evil” (Vs. 17). The great Booker T. Washington said, “I will not allow any man to make me lower myself by hating him.”

Live Harmoniously.  “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men” (Vs. 18). Do all you can, without compromising your convictions, to achieve peace and harmony.

Live Humbly.  “Do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath… Vengeance is Mine, I will repay, says the Lord” (Vs. 19).

“Do not avenge yourselves” means don’t take the law into your own hands.

        Don’t retaliate in a like manner. If vengeance is God’s business, get out of His way and let Him to His work. He doesn’t need your help.