Faith When You’re Frustrated: Trusting God When Life Feels Overwhelming
Click to Expand Table of Contents
Faith When You’re Frustrated: Trusting God in Life’s Toughest Moments
Frustration is a universal experience—we all face disappointment, delays, and difficult people that make us want to throw in the towel. But what does faith look like when you're frustrated? How do we trust God when life isn’t going as planned?
In this episode of Sunburnt Souls, we dive deep into faith and frustration—from handling disappointment with God to navigating spiritual warfare and mental health struggles. We explore:
How Jesus responded to frustration and what His example teaches us
God’s timing vs. our expectations—why waiting on Him can feel impossible
Faith and mental health—how frustration impacts anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder
Spiritual warfare and frustration—could the enemy be using this against you?
Practical steps to find peace, trust God, and turn frustration into purpose
Whether you’re struggling with delays, unanswered prayers, or the daily grind of life, this conversation offers biblical wisdom, encouragement, and real hope to help you move forward in faith.
Listen now and learn how to turn your frustration into spiritual growth!
Managing Frustration as a Christian: Where Do We Start?
This past week was one of those weeks where you just want to punch it in the face. It started frustrating, stayed frustrating, and ended with what felt like the most frustrating day I’ve had in ages. After a long day, I had to run to the shops to pick up some medication for a loved one who had been sick. It was a specific item, and I just wanted to get home, eat, and relax.
Just as I was about to leave, the worst person I could possibly imagine showed up and bailed me up. I know God loves everyone, but this guy drives me insane. Out of the top three people I wouldn’t want to run into, he’s definitely on the list. And of course, he corners me in the shopping centre and immediately launches into a conspiracy theory. No greeting, no small talk—just straight into it.
The last time this happened, he tracked me down at the beach, and I was stuck for an hour. This time, I knew I couldn’t let that happen. I had to get this medication home. I was exhausted. I just wanted to leave. But he kept going.
Trying to change the subject, I mentioned I was seeing a loved one who was sick. Instead of taking the hint, he jumped straight into another rant: "Have I ever told you that you should never get the COVID vaccine?" And off he went again, spiraling into another conspiracy tirade. I finally had to cut him off, say I had to go, and walk away with my trolley, completely frustrated.
I was so tired of situations like this. Maybe you’ve been there too. Maybe frustration shows up in your life in different ways—whether it’s difficult people, struggles with mental health, workplace stress, or family challenges. Whatever it looks like for you, today I want to talk about how to handle frustration with faith. Because, let’s be honest, the world is frustrating. Life is frustrating. Even faith can be frustrating. Church, community, relationships—it can all make you want to pull your hair out. So how do we manage it?
When Life Doesn’t Go as Planned: Expectation vs. Reality
One of the biggest sources of frustration is the gap between our expectations and reality. Imagine I told you that you were going on a holiday where you’d have your own private room, an en suite, a gym, and all meals provided. You might think, "Wow, how much does this luxury retreat cost?" If I said $6,000 a night, you’d probably think it was a rip-off and feel disappointed.
But what if I then told you that this wasn’t a holiday—it was a prison cell? Suddenly, the same room might seem a lot more appealing. The only thing that changed was your expectation.
This is what happens in our faith when we expect one thing but experience another. One of the frustrations many Christians face is the belief that faith will somehow shield them from life’s problems. But when life still hits hard, disappointment creeps in.
I became a Christian in the early 2000s, during a time when the message was all about being called and anointed for great and mighty things. Every conference or rally focused on how God would use you to do incredible things—you’d be the head, not the tail, conquering mountains and preaching to nations.
And while it’s true that some are called to extraordinary things, not everyone will have a life that looks like a continual mountaintop experience. When our expectations are built around constant victory, but reality brings struggle and hardship, frustration is inevitable.
Moving Forward in Faith: How to Handle Disappointment with God
So how do we handle frustration in a way that aligns with our faith? That’s what we’re going to explore today—practical steps to navigate frustration while staying grounded in Jesus. Because no matter what we face, there is always hope, always grace, and always a way forward.
How did Jesus handle frustration?
As Christians, we need to embrace the reality that frustration and hardship are part of the normal Christian life. Books like 1 Peter 4 and Lamentations remind us that suffering is not an anomaly but an expectation. Becoming a Christian doesn't grant us immunity from difficulties, but it does mean that God walks with us through them. If you want to eliminate frustration in your faith, the first step is to develop a biblical understanding of what the Christian life entails.
If you're unsure where to start, look to Jesus. By definition, He was homeless. Though He spent time at friends’ houses, He had no place to call His own. He often slept in the open air and relied on God for every meal. From a worldly perspective, His life wasn’t spectacular. Yes, He performed miracles and was used mightily by God—He was the Messiah, after all—but His life was full of challenges. He experienced rejection, betrayal, and physical suffering. Yet, He handled frustration far better than we do. Even He had to contend with the brokenness of this world. Our expectations should align with the reality of God’s Kingdom rather than our personal desires for comfort.
The Hidden Burden of Possessions: When Stuff Becomes Stress
Another significant source of frustration in our faith is when the things we own begin to own us. Many of the frustrations we experience come from the very things we once pursued. I’ve learned this firsthand.
A few years ago, we saved up and installed a pool. It was an exciting moment, and I was thrilled. To complete the setup, we added a timber deck around it. People warned me that both the pebblecrete pool and the timber deck would require a lot of maintenance, but I brushed off their concerns.
Fast forward a couple of years, and the timber deck looked terrible. I had to constantly repair and maintain it. The pool was difficult to keep clean, with algae spots requiring endless scrubbing. Ironically, I don’t even like the cold, so I rarely get in the pool myself. What once seemed like a blessing had become a burden.
This experience taught me an important lesson: simplicity is key. Living a minimal life, free of unnecessary possessions, allows for greater peace. The more we accumulate, the more we have to maintain, and the more we risk being weighed down by frustration. Before acquiring anything new, it’s wise to ask whether it will add to our lives or just create more stress.
Trusting God’s Timing When Waiting Feels Impossible
One of the most frustrating aspects of faith is waiting for God’s timing. We often want things to happen now, but God moves at His own pace. And let’s be honest—that pace can feel excruciatingly slow.
I have a friend who is so slow in everything he does that it’s almost comical. One day, we went out on a boat trip, and everything took him longer than anyone else. An extra 15 minutes to put on a wetsuit. Ten more minutes to get into the water. Another ten minutes to climb back into the boat. But the most bizarre thing happened—while the rest of us were naturally drifting with the river’s current, he somehow managed to stay behind. It was as if he was defying the laws of physics.
Sometimes, waiting on God feels the same way. When we feel like we’re ready to move forward, and God isn’t, frustration builds. I personally struggle with this, especially because of my bipolar disorder. When I’m manic, my mind races with ideas. I want to write books, start projects, launch ministries—all at once. But God rarely matches my urgency. He is deliberate and measured, always ensuring that the timing is perfect, even when I feel like things should have happened yesterday.
Embracing Patience and Perspective
Understanding these three truths—embracing hardship, releasing unnecessary burdens, and trusting God’s timing—can transform the way we handle frustration in our faith. Life is full of difficulties, but God’s presence sustains us. The things we own can become sources of stress unless we intentionally simplify our lives. And while God’s timing may not align with our own, it is always perfect.
Rather than allowing frustration to take root, let’s shift our perspective. God is still in control, and He is always working, even when we don’t see it. Our role is to remain faithful, trust His plan, and allow Him to guide us through the highs and lows of life.
Patience & Perspective: How to Find Peace in Delays
Every time I run ahead of God, He doesn’t do it to me—I do it to myself. I cause my own frustration. We often forget that in the Bible, timing is usually on the slower side. Abraham and Sarah waited 25 years for Isaac. Joseph endured 13 years before his dream of leading Egypt came true. Moses wandered for 40 years before God used him.
The Israelites spent 40 years in the desert. David waited 15 years to become king. Even the apostle Paul, after his dramatic conversion, didn’t immediately start ministry—he spent three years in Arabia working out his theology.
God's timing is much slower than ours, and while it can be frustrating, we need to trust that He understands timing better than we do. If we’re frustrated by how He’s moving, that’s our issue, not His. It can feel painful—like feeling too old to have kids, thinking you've missed your window for ministry, or starting a business degree in your 70s. But God knows the exact time to raise up the right person for the right opportunity. He has done it for thousands of years and will continue to do it in the future—including with you.
If you're frustrated by God's timing, I wish I could sugarcoat it, but the truth is you’ve got to submit to His timing. You’re not going to change it. So instead of trying to force God’s hand, we can change our hearts and submit to His plan, relieving ourselves from the frustration of waiting.
Faith & Mental Health: Managing Frustration in Your Mind & Spirit
Another way to manage frustration in faith is to consider mental wellbeing. If you live with a mental illness or love someone who does, frustration is an inevitable part of the journey. Every mental health condition has elements that are hard to accept and manage.
Depression: It’s frustrating when people tell you to exercise, socialize, and pray—things you know you should do—but you feel too drained to act on them.
Anxiety: You might overthink a conversation and stay up all night replaying it in your head.
Bipolar Disorder: In a manic phase, you get frustrated when people slow you down. In a depressed phase, everything feels irritating.
ADHD: It’s frustrating when you forget important tasks, get distracted easily, or struggle to finish what you started.
PTSD: Your brain reacts to non-threatening situations as if they are life-threatening, causing distress and confusion.
OCD: Checking the stove ten times even though you know it’s off just to relieve anxiety is exhausting.
Borderline Personality Disorder: A minor disagreement with a friend can feel like total rejection.
Schizophrenia: Trying to explain what you experience to someone who doesn’t believe it’s real is isolating.
Mental illness is frustrating, and when you’re balancing that with faith, life becomes even more complex. If that’s your reality, I resonate with your struggle. But one way forward is addressing mental wellbeing at its core. We’re all on a journey, and it can feel like a never-ending struggle with the same issues. However, anchoring in Jesus, meditating on His promises, and actively pursuing healing are crucial steps to avoiding frustration and growing in faith.
If your mental health condition causes frustration, don’t back down. Keep pursuing healing. Keep chasing after Jesus. Faith is a crucial part of mental wellbeing, but so are practical supports. We need the Church, faith, prayer, accountability, community, worship, doctors, psychiatrists, psychologists, counsellors, and occupational therapists. One way to minimise frustration is to keep growing and moving forward, even when it’s difficult. You may not be where you want to be today, but six months or a year from now, you could be a completely different person.
Spiritual Warfare & Frustration: Is the Enemy Using This Against You?
Another key to overcoming frustration is understanding spiritual warfare. I don’t claim to be an expert, but I do know that there is a real battle happening in the spiritual realm. The enemy actively tries to attack our minds. He wants us to believe lies: that we’re worthless, that God doesn’t care, or that we’ll never be free from our struggles.
Even if you don’t subscribe to Pentecostal or Charismatic theology, you’ve likely experienced moments where you’ve seen good versus evil at play—God’s presence versus the enemy’s attacks. Angels and demons operate in the spiritual realm, and as believers, we need to be aware of this reality.
If you’re battling frustration, especially in your mental health or faith journey, don’t ignore the spiritual aspect. There is an enemy who doesn’t want you to thrive. But there is also a God who fights for you, who has already won the battle, and who wants to bring healing into your life. I’ll be bringing on an expert, Jen, to talk more about spiritual warfare in an upcoming episode, so stay tuned for that.
Overcoming Frustration: Practical Steps to Keep Moving Forward
If frustration is weighing you down, remember this: you may not overcome it overnight, but you can keep moving forward. God’s timing is perfect, even when it doesn’t match ours. Mental health struggles are real, but healing is possible. And spiritual warfare is intense, but we serve a God who has already claimed victory.
So don’t give up. Keep pressing in. Keep pursuing Jesus. Keep chasing after healing. Your breakthrough may not come today, but it could come sooner than you think. And when it does, you’ll see that all the waiting, struggling, and fighting were worth it.
If your mind is under attack, it could very well be a spiritual attack. Fear and anxiety are tools of the enemy. Now, does that mean that if you struggle with anxiety, Satan is ruling over your life? No. But he does use these tools to trap you, keeping you stuck. I know for myself, when I experience anxiety, it makes me question my faith, God’s plan, and even my own salvation. It causes me to doubt the things I normally hold true.
But God has given us a spirit of power and a sound mind—not a spirit of fear or an attitude of timidity. He has provided everything we need to move forward. If you’re feeling guilt, shame, or condemnation weighing you down—whether it’s past mistakes or struggles with mental health—it’s important to recognise that these are not from God. When discerning what’s happening in the spiritual realm, ask yourself: does this align with the character of God? We come to understand His character by immersing ourselves in Scripture, worship, and prayer. The more we know how God speaks, the easier it is to recognise when something contradicts His voice.
Spiritual attacks often come when we are weak—when we’re tired, burnt out, or emotionally exhausted. Even Jesus, after fasting for 40 days in the desert, was attacked by Satan in His most vulnerable moment. The same happens with our mental health. The enemy comes after us when we’re vulnerable. Personally, I notice this when I come down from a manic phase and crash into depression—that’s when the enemy is waiting, eager to bring condemnation. But we don’t have to just accept these attacks. We can fight back.
Psalm 139:14 says that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. So if a voice in your head is telling you that you are worthless, useless, or rejected, that voice is not from God. Our minds naturally drift toward negativity when left unchecked, so we must train them to think in alignment with God’s truth. We need to pray with authority. Ephesians 6 tells us that we are in a spiritual battle but also provides us with the tools to fight. God has not left us defenceless.
One of the most effective ways to withstand spiritual attacks is to stay connected to community. The enemy would love to isolate you, to cut you off from accountability and support, but we are not meant to do this alone. Whether it’s a church, a life group, or an online faith community, connection is vital for a flourishing faith. If you don’t enjoy Sunday services, that’s between you and God, but at the very least, find people to walk this journey with.
Another important factor in mental health is physical health. As much as I hate exercise, I can’t deny that it helps. Sometimes, when I feel overwhelmed, just moving my body helps to release the built-up adrenaline and tension. It’s frustrating, but it works.
If you’re feeling frustrated, it’s because we live in a frustrated world. The world is broken, and that brokenness affects every aspect of life. I once had a conversation with a keynote speaker who told me about a homeless man he had spoken with. The man summed up the gospel message in the bluntest way possible: "The world is messed up, and Jesus came to fix it." Crass, but correct. Jesus came to unbreak what was broken.
Frustration, on both a big and small scale, is a result of this broken world. In the beginning, when God created the world, everything was perfect. Humanity lived in full community with God, and there was no frustration. The first workers were gardeners, tending to the garden before sin entered the world. Work was part of God’s creation—it wasn’t a curse. But after the fall, everything changed. Sin separated us from God, not just spiritually but physically and materially as well. Now, we live in a world groaning under the weight of sin, and with it comes generational frustration, pain, and suffering.
But here’s the good news: Jesus came to redeem this broken world. He offers us hope, healing, and restoration. While we may still experience frustration and struggle, we are not without hope. Through faith, community, and aligning our minds with God’s truth, we can navigate this broken world with strength and peace. So, if you’re feeling under attack, remember: you don’t have to fight alone. God has equipped you with everything you need to stand firm.
Why the World Feels Broken and How Jesus Brings Peace
Have you ever wondered why the world feels so frustrating? Why do hurricanes happen? Why do earthquakes shake everything we know? The answer is simple but profound—the world is broken. Creation itself groans under the weight of brokenness. This is why frustration exists, especially for those walking in faith while navigating mental well-being. The system is already frustrating, and in a way, we’re set up to struggle because we live in a broken world.
There are already challenges and obstacles that make it more difficult to connect with God. When we carry our own brokenness, it can make things feel even heavier. But the solution isn’t found in trying harder or fixing things on our own—the solution is Jesus. True restoration comes from a relationship with Him, from making peace with God through Jesus, and from living fully in that relationship.
The Kingdom Is Here, but Not Yet Fully
When Jesus walked the earth, His first message was simple: “The kingdom of God is at hand.” He came to re-establish God's kingdom on earth, but it’s not yet here in its complete fullness. We see this reality in the way prayers for healing sometimes bring miraculous results, and other times, it feels like our prayers are bouncing off the ceiling. This is because we live in the overlap of two realities—the kingdom of God breaking in, but the brokenness of the world still lingering.
Jesus came to bring restoration, but the full restoration will only be complete at His second coming. That means if you're feeling frustrated in your faith right now, Jesus can bring you relief and help you walk through it. But following Him doesn’t mean that all frustration will instantly disappear. Instead, it means walking with the One who understands our struggles and who promises ultimate restoration.
Daily Restoration & Eternal Hope: How Jesus Helps Us Endure
For me, Jesus takes away some of my frustration on a daily basis. Even if He doesn’t remove it completely, I hold on to the promise that one day, I’ll be with Him in paradise. In that moment, frustration will be gone forever. If you haven’t made peace with Jesus and allowed Him to bring healing into your life, that’s the best place to start. You’ll begin to see real change happening as you walk with Him.
Turn Your Frustration into Purpose: Get on Mission for God
One of the most powerful ways to minimise frustration in your faith is to get on mission. What do I mean by that? Every Christian is in ministry. It’s not just about the person preaching on stage or the worship leader with a microphone. Every believer is called to be an active participant in God’s work.
Sometimes, the best way to deal with our own frustrations is to help alleviate the frustration of someone else. There are people out there craving community, love, and encouragement, and you could be the one to bring that into their lives.
Since starting Sunburnt Souls, I’ve met countless people who are gifted, kind, and full of potential but aren’t stepping into ministry—either because someone told them they weren’t qualified or because they convinced themselves they weren’t. But here’s the truth: nobody has it all together. Nobody is 100% qualified. God isn’t just looking for superstars, Bible college graduates, or professionals. He’s looking for those who are willing to say, “God, use me.” The ones who put their hands up, take a step of faith, and trust Him with the outcome.
A Prayer for the Frustrated: Finding Peace in God’s Presence
Lord, I declare peace and blessing over those feeling frustrated. Living on this side of eternity can be hard, so I ask that You draw us closer to You. Help us to develop good practices, to see things in perspective, and most importantly, to cultivate intimacy with You. Let us walk each day knowing that You are our Father and we are Your children. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Some helpful Questions and Answers
How can Christians trust God when life feels overwhelming?
Trusting God in overwhelming times starts with shifting our focus from the storm to the Saviour. In Matthew 14:30-31, when Peter walked on water, he began to sink only when he looked at the waves instead of Jesus. The same principle applies when life feels overwhelming. Here’s how to trust God through difficulties:
Acknowledge your frustration – God already knows your heart. Psalm 62:8 encourages us to "pour out your hearts to Him."
Anchor yourself in God’s promises – Scripture reminds us that God is faithful even when we struggle (2 Timothy 2:13).
Surrender control – Proverbs 3:5-6 calls us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not on our own understanding.
Take small steps of faith – Even when you don’t feel strong, moving forward in faith allows God to work in your situation.
God does not promise a trouble-free life, but He does promise His presence (Isaiah 41:10). When you focus on Him rather than the problem, you’ll find peace in the chaos.
What does the Bible say about frustration and mental health?
The Bible acknowledges that frustration, anxiety, and depression are real struggles, even for believers. Many biblical figures—including Elijah, David, and even Paul—experienced deep emotional distress.
Elijah (1 Kings 19:4-8): Felt so overwhelmed he wanted to die, but God met him in his exhaustion and renewed his strength.
David (Psalm 42:11): Asked, "Why, my soul, are you downcast?" but chose to put his hope in God.
Paul (2 Corinthians 12:9-10): Lived with ongoing struggles but relied on God’s grace.
Here’s what Scripture teaches about managing mental health and frustration:
Acknowledge your emotions – Jesus wept (John 11:35), showing that emotions are not sinful.
Seek community – Isolation fuels mental distress; Scripture encourages believers to bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2).
Use both spiritual and practical solutions – Prayer is vital, but so is seeking help from doctors, therapists, and counselors when needed (Proverbs 11:14).
Recognise spiritual attacks – The enemy seeks to distort our thoughts (Ephesians 6:12), but God's truth brings clarity and hope.
Faith and mental health are not mutually exclusive. If you’re struggling, know that God sees you and is walking with you through the journey.
How did Jesus handle frustration, and what can we learn from Him?
Jesus faced frustration yet responded with grace, wisdom, and trust in God. Here’s how He handled different forms of frustration:
People misunderstanding Him (Mark 6:1-6): When His hometown rejected Him, He moved forward rather than dwelling in disappointment.
Spiritual attacks (Matthew 4:1-11): When tempted by Satan, Jesus responded with Scripture, showing us that God’s Word is our weapon against discouragement.
Betrayal and suffering (Luke 22:42): In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus was overwhelmed but surrendered to God’s will.
What can we learn?
Turn to Scripture for strength – Jesus always went to God’s Word in times of frustration.
Pray honestly – Jesus cried out to God when He was struggling (Luke 22:44).
Let go of what you can’t control – He trusted God’s plan, even in suffering.
When we align our response to frustration with how Jesus handled it, we gain perspective, patience, and peace.
Is frustration a sign of spiritual warfare?
Frustration can be a sign of spiritual warfare, especially when it leads to doubt, discouragement, or division. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces.
Signs that your frustration might be spiritual warfare:
Unusual obstacles – You feel resistance when trying to grow spiritually.
Negative thought patterns – The enemy whispers lies that contradict God’s truth.
Isolation and discouragement – Satan wants you to feel alone and hopeless.
How to fight back:
Pray with authority – James 4:7 says, "Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."
Stay in Christian community – Isolation makes spiritual attacks more effective.
Guard your thoughts – Philippians 4:8 calls us to think on what is true and noble.
Declare God’s truth over your situation – Jesus countered the enemy’s lies with Scripture (Matthew 4:1-11).
Not all frustration is spiritual warfare, but if it’s pulling you away from God, it’s worth examining whether the enemy is using it against you.
How can Christians find peace when struggling with mental illness?
Finding peace while struggling with mental illness is possible, but it requires both faith and practical steps. Jesus offers supernatural peace, but He also calls us to take care of our minds and bodies.
Biblical truths about mental illness:
Jesus welcomes the weary (Matthew 11:28-30) – He invites those struggling to find rest in Him.
God’s power works in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9-10) – Mental illness does not disqualify you from God’s purpose.
Healing can be a process (Mark 8:22-25) – Some miracles in the Bible happened instantly, while others took time.
Steps to finding peace:
Stay anchored in Scripture – Meditate on verses about God’s presence and care.
Seek professional support – Therapy, medication, and counseling can be part of God’s provision.
Surround yourself with the right people – Community is key to healing (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10).
Develop daily rhythms of rest – Jesus often withdrew to pray (Luke 5:16).
Peace is not the absence of struggle but the presence of Jesus in the midst of it. Even in the darkest moments, you are not alone.
How to get help with faith and mental health
If you’ve been wrestling with mental health struggles or navigating the balance between faith and medication, Sunburnt Souls is here to remind you that you’re not alone. Through open conversations and shared stories, we explore hope and healing in the messiness of life. Visit sunburntsouls.com to connect with resources and listen to more episode. Subscribe here to continue receiving updates
