Do Not Fret
Psalm 37:8
Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret.
There are times when we can become fixated on something that is going on in our lives. It may be for a son or daughter, or a situation that we have no control over. In raising five children, there were many challenges throughout the years, from teething to potty training, to science projects to math challenges, to first crushes, to all five having chicken pox at the same time and to top it all off, during a vacation! Yet even as adults, my mother’s heart now has enlarged over their mates and all of my precious grandchildren. I want God’s very best for each of them. As well, we have helped to support our Kenyan sons and daughters throughout their journey through their educations and happenings of their young lives. And here’s one more layer—all of our precious church family who we love deeply, praying daily and walking with them throughout their highs and lows. Believe me, there is much to take before the Lord in prayer. I hate it when someone is ill or struggling in their marriage. Maybe its a financial need, or an addiction they are struggling with because of deep pain and hurt. Then what about Stephen’s and my own personal struggles—maybe its physical or an emotional challenge of sad memories or deep sorrow that we may be struggling with. Leaders often struggle alone, yet not alone for the One who knows it all, sees and cares, touching and soothing even those who must be strong and a comfort to those they lead in their great times of need. Dear One, God sees and knows all, every struggle, every emotion, every word spoken and unspoken and asks us to look to Him for every concern and need. I remember as a child, when my Grandpa would pick me up and hold me close. My little mind and body would need comforting and a need to feel safe, that an unspoken sense to engulf me that everything would be alright. He always smelled of fresh cut wood that to this day, when I come in contact with this smell, it floods me with peace and I relax. This is how it is with our Heavenly Father. He knows how to hold us, how to cause His voice to be heard and cause our psyches, emotions and even the muscles and sinews of our body to come to deep rest. We simply must let go. I know, I know, easier said than done. Yet our Father is telling us in labor into His rest today. Wait patiently for Him and stop fretting. Psalm 40:1 tells us, “I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined to me, and heard my cry.” Psalm 62:8 says, “Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.” Whatever your challenges may be today, whatever may be tempting you to pick up and fret about, pour it all out to the Lord. He hears it all and is more than able to bring you answers and great victory. Give it all to Him today.
What about you? Are you nerved up and fretting about someone or something? God is bigger than your worry. You may not have answers, but He does. He is for you, and He is with you. You can trust Him completely today. Eyes on Him all the way, all throughout your day.
