Anger – When Frustration Takes Over (365/244)
“After everything I’ve done…” “I’ve been patient long enough.” “I just couldn’t take it anymore.”
Sometimes, anger erupts when accumulated frustration reaches its breaking point.
“Because you did not believe Me, to hallow Me in the eyes of the children of Israel…” (Numbers 20:12)
Moses knew that kind of exhaustion. He had carried Israel through years of complaining and rebellion. Then, shortly after the death of his sister Miriam, the people again confronted Moses and Aaron because there was no water. They accused them of bringing them into the wilderness to die (Numbers 20:1-5).
God told Moses to speak to the rock, and promised that water would flow (Numbers 20:7–8). Instead, Moses gathered the people and struck the rock twice with his staff (Numbers 20:10–11). Moses had every reason to be frustrated, but his frustration overtook his obedience. Though water flowed, he had failed to honour God’s instructions. Moses reminds us that justified anger does not excuse a wrong response. Christ meets us in our weakness.
As we abide in Christ, we grow increasingly unshaken in Him, as He enables us to respond in ways we cannot achieve in our own strength (John 15:5).
Pause and Ponder
Is there accumulated frustration in my heart that is affecting how I respond today?
Have I ever used “I was pushed too far” to justify a response that did not honour God?
Where do I need to stop relying on my own strength and ask God to help me respond differently?
Even when past disappointments weigh heavily, may we surrender our frustration to God and let Him guide our response.
Lord Jesus, when I am tired and frustrated, keep my emotions from ruling my response. Help me trust and obey You, even in my weakest moments. Amen.
Extended Reading: Numbers 20
Tomorrow, we turn to Jesus and discover what anger looks like when it is completely surrendered to the Father.
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