Philippians 4:6 - Are you frustrated?

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God.”

Philippians 4:6

The Lord has impressed on my heart that some of His believers are frustrated. Maybe they planned a good thing and it seemed like it was worthless or of no avail. They feel defeated and are discouraged. It could be over something little like trying to grow some herbs so that it would benefit the family’s health and cause your food to taste better. They tried to do this successfully only to have an herb plant that is barely hanging on. Or it could be over something that is big like having a loved one that has to deal with serious health issues. You may wonder “Why, Lord? Why?” Life can be full of frustrations. What does one do with your frustrations and disappointments? Do you ponder them and keep wondering “Why, Lord? Why?” Doing this may just continue to cause you to feel and be frustrated. Your walk with Christ will suffer because of it. This is not good. The sad thing is if you hold on to your frustrations it actually means you are frustrated with God and that you are unsatisfied with Him. Maybe you’ve never thought of this. The best thing you can do is to take your frustrations, feelings, and disappointments all to the Lord in prayer. He is our friend and He cares about you. Part of a song that really spoke to me today was “take it to the Lord in prayer.” The song is What a Friend We Have in Jesus. The verses are:

1. What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and grief’s to bear! What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer! Oh, what peace we often forfeit, oh, what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer!
2. Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere? We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer. Can we find a Friend so faithful Who will all our sorrows share? Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer.
3. Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care? Precious Savior, still our refuge; take it to the Lord in prayer. Do thy friends despise, forsake thee? Take it to the Lord in prayer; in His arms He’ll take and shield thee; thou will find a solace there.

Be encouraged today. We have a Friend in Jesus.

Father, sometimes we get frustrated and discouraged about things that happen or are happening in our lives. We may feel defeated. Discouragement may settle in.  Sometimes we may question things and wonder “Why?” “Why is this happening?” “Why are we dealing with this?” Help us not to stay in a frustrated or discouraged state. Help us to take everything to You in prayer, giving thanks for Your presence in our lives. Work all things out to our good. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.