Frustration. The world is full of it, and sometimes it dumps generous portions into my life. Someone says something hurtful. Things don’t go as planned. Interruptions, delays, the unexpected, and the list goes on. Frustration is a regular part of life. But I know something that can help—a warm relaxing bath.
Peter got frustrated. John 21 tells the story. “I’m going fishing,” Peter says in verse 3. He knows Jesus is resurrected from the grave, but he’s not quite sure what to do now. Frustration. And then he doesn’t catch any fish. More frustration. Then Jesus shows up. He is the answer to Peter’s frustration. Not only does Jesus fill Peter’s boat to overflowing, but He also prepares a nice meal for Peter and his friends. Frustration melts away and clarity refocuses as Peter spends time with His Lord.
Better than a warm bath that’s only skin deep, even better than a half dozen chocolate covered donuts, is time spent in the presence of Jesus, talking, listening, and reading His Word. Baths and donuts might alleviate the irritation for about two minutes, but time spent in the Word and prayer washes away the aggravation of the day, soothing me to the very core of my being. “To make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word” (Eph. 5:26).
My family likes it when I take regular baths in the Word (and, no, I did not name my bath tub The Word). I’m easier to live with, more peaceful, and less stressed out.
So the next time life unloads a dump truck of frustration on top of you, run to His Word and spend time in His Living Water. Life can wait; it’s bath time.