Fret Not

Psa. 37:1a, KJ, "Fret not...", NIV, "Do not fret...."

I've been fretting off and on this week. I know better.

A Christian psychologist named Henry Brandt said he knew a man who received the same traffic ticket 39 times. Actually the man got the ticket only once, but he fretted about it 38 more times and became upset and angry again every time.

Dr. Brandt also said we mentally put our problems into our pockets until we have a little spare time. Then we bring them out, mull over them, and stew and fret and worry about them. When our time runs out, we put them back in our pockets, keeping them handy for whenever another opportunity to fret arises.

Why should we not fret? First, fretting does not improve our situation. Matt. 6:27 NIV, "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" Second, fretting displeases God. My friend Howard Ball says it's impossible to worry and trust at the same time, and Heb. 11:6 tells us that it's impossible for us to please God without faith. Third, fretting steals our joy. Heb. 11:1 The Message, "The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under every thing that makes life worth living.

God has given us the antidote fro fretting in His Word. Psa. 37:3a, "Trust in the Lord, and do good." Phil. 4:6 the Message, "Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns." Phil. 4:7 tells us the wonderful result of turning our worry list into a prayer list, "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."

Heavenly Father, today I choose to trust rather than fret. I choose Your peace and joy. Amen.