Blocked Goals

Posted on September 6, 2007 
Filed Under Dr. Dobson's Broadcast, Physical Health, Spiritual Life

Why do you get angry? How do you deal with frustration? What happens when you can’t get your way? Simple questions, but a bit uncomfortable to really answer because that requires some rather serious introspection and honesty. Few of us want to go there - it is painful to confront my inner self and all my shortcomings.

In my early 20s I participated in a small group at church, and we watched a video presentation by Dr. Larry Crabb. One of the statements he made in that series has stuck in my mind ever since, and it related to how I handle life when my plans are interupted. “Blocked goals, especially when we think them necessary for our survival, generate anger.” In essence, the idea is that when I get angry it may well be because an obstacle got in the way of accomplishing one or more goals.

At times when my anger has flared up, I’ve tried to thoughtfully consider why that emotional response is happening. What’s behind that flare-up? At those times it can also help to gain a bit of perspective on life, see things through a different lens.

Today’s Focus on the Family program has one man’s story of blocked goals, and they were serious health issues at a time of life when, for most of us, the future seems brightest. This man had every reason to become bitter and angry. If facing the same kind of circumstances, many people would shake their fist at God and challenge His goodness and sovereignty. Not this young man…no, he found something else besides the pain and anger to concentrate on.

If you are struggling with difficulties in your life, you’ve got to hear Dan Miller’s fascinating and inspirational account of overcoming adversity. It’ll help put some perspective on and encouragement for what you might be experiencing.

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