“I’ve told you these things so you’ll have complete peace in me. In this world you’ll encounter disasters and difficulties, but through anything you can always be joyfully confident, because I’ve already overcome the world” (John 16:33).
Don’t let frustration live long enough to grow from a negative feeling to a bitter mindset. Before letting it take control, and then infecting everyone around you, use it as a warning to take a step back and view things from God’s perspective.
Ask him to show you where it’s really coming from and why. Then do whatever he says to deal with it: Give forgiveness. Let go of the offense. Refuse the lie. Accept his grace, love, and kindness. Rejoice.
I know all of those can be challenging. Rejoicing can seem especially difficult when you’re going through something that’s the opposite of joyful, and I think the word has become so religious–sounding, it’s lost its real meaning for many anyway. But it’s what God keeps saying to my heart, especially when I’m frustrated.
Jesus is Prince of Peace, which, somewhat ironically, puts him at war against anything trying to keep you from becoming who you are in his peace. Rejoicing isn’t just trying to keep yourself together against all the things trying to pull you apart—it’s how you become whole as you unite with Peace in this fight. Rejoicing is the mindset of recognizing his presence more than your problems, letting him displace every fear, pain, offense, and frustration, empowering you to see yourself and others as he does. Let him lead you back to peace, hope, and joy, and turn a disempowering state into a decisive step.
“Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4).
Equip Your Spirit 