Are you ever frustrated? I mean really frustrated? I know we all get frustrated from time to time. I talking about working for months or years toward something and not seeing the results you were expecting.

I’m experiencing frustration. My biggest frustration has to do with my health and nutrition goals. I have been dramatically turning the dial toward improved health and yes, weight loss this past year. I’m the kind of person who researches in great detail any change I want to make. I guide research professionally so it is very natural for me to look at the sources, biases and potential errors in research methods. I have reached the point of the more I learn the less I know. God created us as very complex beings and yet something tells me this shouldn’t be this hard. Needless to say I’m frustrated!

Here is what I have found to help me deal with being frustrated. I’m not giving up on the goal but it doesn’t need to be stressful.

Rick Warren gives 5 simple steps to handling frustration:
1. Ask yourself: did I cause it
2. Ask yourself: what can I learn from it
3. Thank God in the situation
4. Turn your frustration into a humorous event
5. Ask God to fill you with His love
I think it is important for me to see my role in this. I need to focus on overall health not weight. I haven’t figured out how to make if funny. So then I read through all of these scriptures to help me persevere. This is not an exhaustive list. It is simply what I found that brought peace.

In all things God works for the good of those who love him. Romans 8:28.
Give thanks in all circumstances. 1 Thessalonians 5:18.

Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. Romans 5:3-4.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, Hebrews 12:1.

Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:4.

A cheerful heart is good medicine. Proverbs 17:22.

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

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. John 16:33.

Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Selah Offer right sacrifices, and put your trust in the Lord. Psalm 4:4-5.
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10.

The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18.

In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:6.

I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first. Revelation 2:19.
These remind me to stay strong and lean on Him for strength and direction. He fills my heart and reminds me that I can do all things through him.
How about your frustration? How do you relieve it? Share your story here to encourage others.