When that Frustrated Feeling Goes Viral

I’m frustrated and I want this quarantine life to be over! I’ll bet a lot of you are with me on that one.

When that Frustrated Feeling Goes Viral

2MefromHim Devotional

Do not be angry and frustrated. Do not fret. That only leads to trouble. Proverbs 37:8 (NET)

I’m frustrated and I want this quarantine life to be over! As a matter of fact, I’ll bet a lot of you are with me on that one. The COVID-19 virus has people in every level of society, every part of the world, every age and background frustrated on some level.

When Life Makes You Frustrated

If you’re high-risk, it’s scary! As a matter of fact, my husband was laid off. We’re stuck in our homes, the kids are out of school, everything is complicated. We question whether to wear masks or not and wonder if it’s safe to go to the store. Our internet is slow. I tried to make masks but my sewing machine has a broken gear. We’re trying to sell 3 vehicles but no one is buying. I’m certain you could add to the list. Oh, did I mention the refrigerator smells, even after being cleaned out and washed? When frustration gains a foothold, it goes viral fast.

If he was totally human, Jesus had reason to be frustrated on a daily basis. He lived and traveled with a group of men who failed to understand who he was. Moreover, they argued with each other, tried to gain a privileged position, and didn’t get what he was sent to accomplish.

The Antidote to Feeling Frustrated

Time after time, scripture encourages us to not give into anger, refrain from worry, treat others with patience, and focus on the good. After Paul lists all the excellent, noble, praiseworthy things we should concentrate on, he puts us in our place. Philippians 4:12-13 says, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

Quarantine life makes us more than a little stir crazy. As a result, I need to concentrate on things that increase my satisfaction with my circumstances. However, God knew COVID-19 with all its ramifications would happen. Our peace and contentment come from Jesus Christ. Therefore, my feelings of stress and fear indicate my lack of trust.

Making Good Feelings Go Viral

I don’t want to be difficult to live with. Therefore, each day I will find something I can praise God for and encourage someone else. I will choose to treat those around me with grace and love. Likewise, kindness only costs thought and time. Let’s make joy and glory to God go viral. After all, he is still in control.

© Copyright, Norma Gail Holtman, April 19, 2020

About the author:

Norma Gail writes Fiction to Refresh Your Spirit. Her contemporary novels, Land of My Dreams, which won the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction Award, and Within Golden Bands (releasing May 19, 2020), explore the theme of women whose faith triumphs over trials. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, Inspire a Fire, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, Historical Writers of America, and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 44 years. They have two adult children. To connect with her, you can follow her blog, or join her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Goodreads, or Amazon.