There is a difference between a problem and an annoyance.  A problem is something that is stopping you from achieving a goal. It is an obstacle that must be dealt with to be removed. There is something that needs to be done about it.

Unsolved problems can, and most likely will, result in anger, because we get angry at anything or anyone that blocks us from getting something that we think we need (notice I didn’t say want).  The longer a problem continues, it is understandable that frustration and negative emotions will be generated.

An annoyance, however, is just something that makes us uncomfortable. You probably cannot do a single thing about it.  A hundred of them will occur in any given day.  They generate a vague sense of irritation for which there doesn’t appear to be a remedy. They are completely flesh-centered, meaning they arise automatically whenever we experience the slightest discomfort in a situation.

The point I want to make today is this. We don’t pay enough attention to the difference between problems and annoyances.  Often, we expend as many negative emotions on petty annoyances as we do on actual problems. Think about how a series of interruptions while you are attempting to finish a project can you turn you into an aggravated, teeth-gritting grumbler who snaps at anyone who unfortunately encounters you at that time.

Even worse, we give in to the snowball effect and let one irritation roll right into another until we are actually seething with distraction.  We start thinking more and more about these little aggravations and less and less about what we were trying to accomplish in the first place.

Always be careful of easily giving in to anger-related emotions – they are deceptively addicting.  They give us a fake sense of power with their rush of adrenaline, but actually do nothing to help the situation.  And that rush of adrenaline can be just as addicting as any other drug.

Now, this is not an insurmountable challenge.  The answer is easy.  Actually pay attention to what is making you grit your teeth – don’t just give in to the feelings of irritation.  Ask yourself, “Is this a problem or an annoyance?”

If this is just an annoyance, by explaining this to yourself (preferably aloud) you can diffuse your flesh’s reaction.  Often, just acknowledging the reality that what is happening to you is not important enough to waste energy on can be enough to snap you out of it.  I say to myself, “This is just a petty annoyance.  Take a deep breath, lower your shoulders, and let go of it!”

I then follow that acknowledgement up by pointing out to myself the reality that that everything else in my life right now is just fine. I have no major problems, just minor irritations, and I have the ability to not let those irritations rob me of feeling calm and joyful. I consider it a personal challenge to not let my flesh or the enemy steal my peace and contentment.  Another deep breath, another reminder to lower my shoulders, and I’m back to being my regular, calm self.

Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult. Proverbs 12:16

Even though this scripture speaks about insults and offenses, I think it fully applies to any type of annoyance.  Giving in to annoyances is foolish because it does nothing to help us be more Christ-like.  Let’s commit to walking in the spirit and not our flesh, even when plagued by many annoyances.