4:58 – Frustrated: Where Is the Gray?

#faithbites #faithjourney frustrated

Setting

Today I am frustrated. Here are just a few: my kitchen remodel has been going on since September and there are still errors. What I thought was a simple upgrade to my 3D printer has me tearing it apart, fighting with stripped screws, and ordering replacement parts Then, so much divide on Facebook. People talking past each others and calling one another monster, gross, terrible, evil, and the rest. I looking for a little bit of Gray. Where is the good discourse without leading to name calling and hurtful words? Where is the project that is frustrating but leads to learning and a good solution? Maybe I’m just not patient and when the remodel is done it will look great and this is the frustration before the end. Perhaps all of this uncivil discourse will lead to reconciliation and love. (Yes, I’m thinking Starfleet and a peaceful planet). Just maybe, me tearing apart my printer will make for better prints and me learning. I don’t know. It could be time, but right now, I’m just frustrated.

Today’s Questions: What is frustrating you right now? How do you work through frustration? What does your faith tell you about how to deal with frustration?

Scripture

• John 16:33 – I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
• Matthew 11:28-29 – Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Reflection

Sometimes I chuckle when I search for scriptures because the same verses come up over and over again. I guess God is trying to tell us something and it needs to be repeated. In John we see that Jesus told us the world would be hard. We would struggle and have trials and tribulations. He also says that he has overcome the world. That conquering the world leads him to be able to give us rest. We have nothing to worry about as he will give us rest.

I don’t know if it’s the time aspect (waiting for rest), the trials of the world (again waiting for His Day), or just not understanding his plan (give him our yoke), but wow, it can be hard sometimes. So many moving pieces and sources of frustration. He tells us to be still and know he is God.(Psalm 46:10). Maybe it’s time to listen.

As we close, remember that these frustrations are temporary and Jesus is forever. Turn it over to him, rest in his love, and know that he will make sense of it. We just need to live as he told us to and the rest will be taken care of.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, I pray for calm minds, peaceful hearts, and resolutions to our struggles. You tell us that all things are possible through you and that you will wipe away ever tear. Sometimes, it’s the waiting for these things that is hard. Sometimes it’s our own failings that cause them. We need your help and guidance, Jesus. We pray all of these things in your name, Amen.