Strong spirits: fretting or delight

What are you fretting about these days?  I think we all spend some time fretting about something, and the Bible has some great advice for us on the topic.  The Bible says, "Don't!"  "Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong... do not fret- it only leads to evil." (Psalm 37:1, 8)

There is much to fret about in the world today- from the big evils that dominate the news feeds to the little annoyances that keep popping up.  It's hard not to fret.  But there is a better option, a better way to respond...

"Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.  Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will act...  Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways." (Psalm 37:4,5,7)

It boils down to what we are focused on.  Keep your mind and heart on Jesus and his promises, and put everything that's bothering you in his hands.

Don't fret.  Trust him. 

Besides serving as pastor at Caledonia Congregational Church, Gary Schwerin is the Spiritual Development Minister for the YMCA of the Rock River Valley and Executive Director of Bridge Ministries of Rockford. Prior to launching Bridge Ministries, Gary spent many years in leadership with Young Life. His columns appear here every Sunday - to see them all, subscribe to our daily email.