Philippians 4:10-13 - 10 How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn’t have the chance to help me. 11 Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. 12 I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. 13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.
Many people have seasons of frustration in life. Some feel hindered from achieving goals. The natural reaction is to blame circumstances or individuals instead of ourselves. External forces may trigger unhappiness. Sometimes we make changes to avoid irritation like quitting a job, ending friendships, or moving away. But we can’t find genuine peace that way.
When we feel frustrated, we need to investigate the cause. Discontent has three internal roots. One is not being able to accept ourselves as we were created. Our talents, personality, and physical attributes may not be what we desire. But, they’re exactly what we need to follow God’s will for our life. Dwelling on what we lack or what we would change distracts us from service.
A second internal root for frustration is an unwillingness to deal with our past. We may have painful memories or recall mistakes that brought heartache. We need to admit their impact. Then we can confront any resulting emotional or psychological issues to move on in peace.
The final source of frustration is a refusal to deal with behaviors or attitudes that are outside the Lord’s will. Holding on to an ungodly action often makes us try to justify ourselves to our Father and others.
The human solution for frustration by changing external situations will fail every time. The only way to end frustration is by relying on God for the strength to cope with its source.
6 comments:
I am always amazed at Paul's level of contentment. Something I have struggled with for years. Well forever I guess. The Lord keeps working on me though. Thankfully, He is also the King of patience and grace.
cas
I've got to through my struggle with contentment on the table here too. I appreciate the three causes that are mentioned. With my 41st birthday staring me in the eyes, I am probably more at peace with the root of accepting myself as God created me, as well as the root of dealing with my past. I am not perfect in those areas, but I am light years ahead of where I was in my early adult life.
Ah, but the third root of frustration still stands strong each month. I would appreciate your prayers for me to continue to lay down my attitudes and actions before Christ.
Thaks,
er
I meant "throw" not "through" in the first comment I posted;)
Contentment is a struggle for me as well. I try to handle every situation with reason and in an even-handed way, but I wrestle internally with contentment. I am often dissatisfied with my ability to provide - I allow my family to live "too close for comfort" financially. While I am not motivated to "buy or have" for myself, you wouldn't know it by looking around. This is a great source of discontentment for me, albeit in a quiet sort of way. But I know it manifests itself in different ways, none good, externally.
tba
ER, I totally agree and the 3rd root is the toughest for me. However, I am now able to fairly easily admit the attitude or behaviors and look for accountability, but the struggle still remains in faithfully carring it out. I too could use everyones prayers for that as well.
cas
Personally, the third root is a struggle for me. It is sad to say but I often find myself justifying my ungodly actions to others and have become pretty good at it. Add me to the prayer request.
LT
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