Are You as Frustrated as a Termite in a Yo-Yo? Part Four

Luke 21: 25 – 28

Frustration is so common it is expedient to consider a biblical approach as to how to deal with it. Consider some does and don’ts in dealing with it. Two different daily posts will relate to this. The first day is devoted to things not to do.

Don’t resort to vindicating yourself by finding someone to blame for it.

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

Author, Dr. Knaus said, “We cause our frustrations because of what and  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 starts 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. One of the most extreme possibilities I have heard of in this matter relates to a report that peanut butter allegedly increases one’s sex drive. Can’t you just hear some rapist pleading innocent in a court of law declaring: “I am innocent, Jiffy made me do it.” “…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 get “ballistic” over your frustrations. 

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

Don’t resort to vengeance. Don’t ever resolve to get even with someone.

Vengeance is reserved by God for His exclusive use. In that way it will judicially be applied. “Do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath… Vengeance is Mine, I will repay, says the Lord” (Romans 12:19).

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

And as for you, well “Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” (I Peter 5: 7)