Responding in Frustration
Daily Old Testament Reading: Numbers 20-22
Daily Focus Passage: Numbers 20
Frustration occurs in all our lives. Frustration happens when we feel like others fail to live in a particular manner or complete a task repeatedly. Frustration grows from our battle with the flesh and often occurs because of pride. When frustration appears, we often face the tension of responding to our frustration or responding with self-control, grace, mercy, and discernment. In Numbers 20, the people of Israel complain to Moses about the lack of water to drink. The people have a history of complaining, and the continued act led Moses to approach the Lord and respond in partial faithfulness because of frustration. As we investigate Numbers 20, how does frustration affect you? How does frustration keep you from illuminating Christ the way he desires?
FRUSTRATION AND SELFISHNESS
The people grew frustrated because of the desires of their flesh. The Lord had provided every need they faced physically and had secured victory in every battle and obstacle before them. Yet, the people of Israel grew frustrated because they did not have the water they believed they deserved, needed, or wanted. This form of frustration occurred because the people allowed the selfish nature of the flesh to develop into frustration with their situation, the leadership, and, ultimately, the Lord.
Let’s not be too difficult on the people of Israel. You and I face the same temptations. We grow frustrated when events, activities, and people do not meet our expectations. Often, these expectations expand from the nature of the flesh and center around our desires and purposes. Thus, the battle against frustration is against the self’s pride and the flesh’s selfishness.
FRUSTRATION AND PARTIAL LISTENING
Moses approached the Lord to intercede on behalf of the people. His engagement occurred as he presented the Lord with the people’s desires and asked him to provide. The Lord responded to Moses and gave detailed orders to bring water from a rock. These orders allowed Moses to demonstrate and show the authority, power, and glory of the Lord. However, as the story unfolds, Moses disobeys the command and strikes the rock instead of just speaking to the rock. This occurred as Moses appeared to only listen to part of the Lord’s command and then rest on past experiences instead. Thus, partial listening led to grave disobedience.
FRUSTRATION AND IMPULSE RESPONSE
Moses struck the rock because he allowed his frustration with the people to put him in a place that allowed the flesh to respond. The impulse response of frustration occurs when self-control becomes dormant or non-existent, and the pressure causes us to react at the moment. These responses often carry adverse effects because the flesh overcomes the self, and the ability to sacrifice the flesh and live in faith suffers. Furthermore, the flesh’s impulse response reflects the individual’s sinful nature. Moses demonstrates that non-believers, believers, and Christian leaders struggle with this impulse response dynamic.
FRUSTRATION AND CONSEQUENCES
When the people arrived, Moses faced the consequence of not crossing over into the Promised Land. The impulse response of the moment brought a result. The Lord forgave Moses, but the consequence did not disappear. Moses died before entering the land because he allowed his flesh to dominate his faith. Likewise, believers face the consequences when frustration causes flesh responses. These moments occur in our lives, and we must recognize this reality. Remember, consequences do not mean that one is not forgiven, but they do serve as the effects of sin and selfishness.
KEYS TO DEALING WITH FRUSTRATION
1. Understand the cause of frustration in others and the self.
2. Seek the Lord for the ability to overcome the temptation of frustration.
3. Strive to extend grace, mercy, and forgiveness when someone responds in frustration.
4. Combat frustration by seeking to live in grace, mercy, and love.
5. Combat the pressure of frustration by getting alone with the Lord.
