Do not fret because ....

Three times in this morning's reading from Psalm 37:1-11, we are told not to fret (vv. 1, 7. 8). I can't resist the silly joke that this prohibits playing guitar in church. As always the Hebrew words are richer than ours, and “fret” is just one possible translation here. And what it can also mean is to be angry, to be aroused; to burn with anger; to rage; to be jealous; to compete, to contend with; to fret. When a thing is repeated it's important, when it is repeated twice, it's very important. Well, fretting is our default, and we have to wage spiritual warfare to overcome it. There are many reasons to not fret, this Psalm gives some of them, and some of the antidotes. In verse 1 should not fret, be aroused or burn, because of evildoers. There is plenty of wood for that fire! In verse 7 we must not fret because evildoers seem to prosper. In verse 8, it is because fretting causes harm, it does no good and it changes nothing. Easier said than done, right?

The serenity prayer talks about changing the things I can. So what am I instructed to do? Well I need to trust, do good, live life to the full and feed my mind, soul and spirit with thoughts of His faithfulness (verse 3). we are to delight ourselves in Him (v 4), and I can do this because He Himself is my exceedingly great reward (Genesis 15:1). I am to commit my way to Him, trusting that when we do our part, He will do His. We need to wait patiently on His timing, and to rest in Him (vv 5,7). Part of feeding on His faithfulness is holding fast to His promises, first of all of my vindication when I walk in these instructions (v. 6); and second of all, knowing by faith and His character, that He will deal with the wickedness (vv. 2, 9, 10). Note the thrice repetition, His dealing with wickedness us sure. His Kingdom will come, His will will be done!

Two more things, fitly his section of the Psalm finishes with “But the meek shall inherit the land, and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.” The Hebrew word translated here as land is “haretz.” The Hebrews would understand this as the Biblical land of Israel. Jesus quotes this verse in Matthew 5:5 where it is the earth, and ultimately it is the new heavens and the new earth. Our rewards are both in the here and now, and in eternity (see Psa 27:13 NKJV). The second things, is that in another part of this morning's readings we see that Jesus' family thought that He was out of His mind, and the Pharisees accused Him of casting out daemons by Satan (Mark 3:21,22). So if you have been misunderstood, know this morning that Jesus has been there too and wants to come along side you to encouragement (Hebrews 4:15; Matthew 11:28-30).

Father, the line from the hymn comes to mind this morning “though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet.” Help us Lord when we are temped to fret, or if we are in the middle of fretting, to take advanced of Your tools, Your truths and Your deliverances. We choose this morning Lord to replace our anxiety by feeding on Your faithfulness, and bringing our prayers and supplication to You with thanksgiving (Philippians 4:4-7) in Jesus Name Amen