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Frustration is that feeling of impatience and anxiety that we get when we think our needs are not being met or when we deal with seemingly insurmountable problems. Sometimes, God is the focus of our impatience and dissatisfaction鈥攚e become frustrated with Him. Frustration with God, His ways and His dealings with us can be a stumbling block for Christians. God could easily handle this problem鈥攚hy doesn鈥檛 He? God knows I have a need鈥攚here is He? There are few Christians who have not been frustrated at the Lord for one reason or another at some point in their lives.

Martha is a case in point (Luke 10:38-42). Jesus was visiting her home, and Martha wanted to treat Jesus to a fine meal. Scripture says she 鈥渨as distracted by all the preparations that had to be made.鈥� Meanwhile, Martha鈥檚 sister, Mary, 鈥渟at at the Lord鈥檚 feet listening to what he said.鈥� In her busyness, Martha felt she deserved some help in the kitchen, and her frustration boiled over. She 鈥渃ame to him and asked, 鈥楲ord, don鈥檛 you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!鈥欌�� Note that Martha was frustrated both with Mary for not helping and with the Lord for allowing Mary to be 鈥渓azy.鈥� Jesus calmed His friend: 鈥溾�楳artha, Martha,鈥� the Lord answered, 鈥榶ou are worried and upset about many things.鈥欌�� He then took the opportunity to teach a lesson on being still and knowing God (cf. Psalm 46:10)鈥攁 lesson we forget when we are frustrated.

Another well-known story is that of Jonah. He, too, knew what it was to be frustrated with the Lord. Jonah heard from God, but he didn鈥檛 like what he heard (Jonah 1:1-3a). After reluctantly proclaiming God鈥檚 message to the Ninevites, Jonah was convinced that they would not listen and that he would have the satisfaction of seeing them slaughtered by a vengeful God. To Jonah鈥檚 chagrin, the Ninevites responded with repentance and humility toward God (Jonah 3:5-10). Jonah was frustrated. His sense of justice conflicted with God鈥檚 mercy. To make matters worse, the leafy plant under which Jonah had been taking shade was withered by God, leaving Jonah exposed to the blazing sun (Jonah 4:7). Jonah鈥檚 frustration mounted to the point of wanting to die (Jonah 4:9). God had to remind His angry prophet that his perspective was wrong: Jonah cared more for an insentient plant than for a great city full of people. Frustration can cloud our vision and choke our compassion.

Is it wrong to be frustrated with God? Yes, it is. Frustration is a product of our sinful human nature. Frustration with God could be evidence of a lack of trust in Him or a misunderstanding of who He is. If God is perfect鈥攁nd the Bible says He is (Psalm 18:30)鈥攖hen He has perfect intentions, perfect timing, perfect methods, and perfect results. As we focus our minds on the Lord and trust in Him, we will know peace, not frustration (Isaiah 26:3).

Our frustration with God could be a byproduct of our own stubbornness. When our ambitions conflict with God鈥檚 purposes, we will naturally be frustrated. It is never advisable to fight against God. Saul of Tarsus learned this lesson the hard way, and Jesus had to remind him, 鈥淚t is hard for you to kick against the goads鈥� (Acts 26:14). A simple prayer of humble submission gives far greater comfort than stubbornly insisting on our plans.

God tells earthly fathers, 鈥淒o not exasperate your children鈥� (Colossians 3:21). Certainly, God does not wish to exasperate His own children. When we feel frustrated with God, it is due to a lack of understanding on our part, not any lack on God鈥檚 part. The best way to deal with being frustrated with God is to submit to His will, accept His timing, and trust His goodness. 鈥淐ast all your anxiety [and your impatience and frustration] on him because he cares for you鈥� (1 Peter 5:7).