I really needed this message today and know that others have to be in the same boat.... (end of the school year seems to always make this message a necessity for me.)
This is taken from Purpose Driven Connection.... Daily Devotional
May 26, 2009
The Secret to Managing Frustrations by Rick Warren
"A man's wisdom gives him patience..." (Proverbs 19:11 NIV).
It's amazing how fifteen minor frustrations at the office can add up to one big, bad attitude by the time you head for home.
Frustrations come in three varieties:
1. Interruptions: Unexpected visitors or phone calls when you have a deadline to meet or something important requires your attention. Our best plans are often interrupted.
2. Inconveniences: While interruptions are usually from people, inconveniences are usually situations involving things: the copy machine breaks down, traffic jams up, or you can't find what you need when you need it.
3. Irritations: Long delays, unreliable people, playing telephone tag, catching a cold, obnoxious clients, etc.
But the truth is you can't eliminate these. No doubt you'll face all three varieties this week, but you can keep them from stressing you out.
What's the secret of managing your frustrations?
Don't resist it, but don't overreact or blow up.
Don't resent it; don't internalize you anger.
Don't resign to it; don't have a pity-party.
Instead, reduce it. Treat it as insignificant. Put the frustration into proper perspective. It's just a minor setback, a part of living, no big deal! It's certainly not worth a heart attack.
Follow these rules for stress management:
• RULE #1: Don't sweat the small stuff.
• RULE #2: Realize it's all small stuff!
The Bible says, "A man's wisdom gives him patience..." (Proverbs 19:11 NIV). The only way we can see all stuff as small stuff is to view it from God's perspective. When I am in tune with God, I remember he has everything under control even though I don't! So I don't have to sweat it: "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control" (Galatians 5:22-23 NIV).
Pray this prayer: "Lord, help me to be filled with your love, joy, and peace, so that when I'm squeezed and pressured it is your love, joy, and peace that spill out of me."
Today on PurposeDriven.com: One believer prays with a bible handy. Another always prays with her husband. In the Spring 2009 issue, Purpose Driven Connection found a dozen ways to pray from real Christians. Click here to read them.
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Developing and Enriching My Inner Child Through My Gift.
4 comments:
Awesome devotional - gotta love this book.
Thanks Dawn! Great advice. I've got to put more in God's hands and less with my frustrations.
Good advice!
You are correct Dawn, I needed this as well! Thank you so much for sharing! It is amazing how God uses us all in some way or another to help each other and encourage each other as you just did by posting this devotional! Thank you!
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