Don't Fret, My Dear

 

Oh, I remember those words from my mama! Fretting was common back in her day! We don't hear the word "fret" much anymore, but I am acknowledging it today!

I have been fretting way too much over the last few weeks. Too much to do in such little time. Gift buying -- what could I give someone who has everything? Making sure they will all be happy with what we give them. Meal planning -- family meals at our home and making sure everything is just right. Amazon delivery isn't here yet and that means they won't get their gift before Christmas! Maybe you have been fretting -- right along with me.

Okay! I hear you, Lord -- loud and clear! I've been fretting aka worrying and being concerned way too much! I know that when I fret or worry, I get stressed out, anxious and impatient. And, in my case, I am worried about way too much. I know I must not be sitting close enough to the manger to sense God's peace, comfort and holiness there.

We find ourselves worrying because things are either happening too fast and we can’t handle the change or because things are going too slow and we want God to speed things up.

Along with waiting comes complaining. I remember the quote: "Complain and remain. Praise and be raised!" Lord, I know You know I desire to be a praiser!

When we choose to wait patiently on God instead of fretting, it is actually a statement of faith. We're making a declaration about God’s character. When we wait patiently, we’re saying that we trust God and we have faith in Him. Then we are humbly admitting that we are dependent on Him.

Psalm 37:7 says: “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways." FRET is in the Bible! My mama had it right! And, I am determined to get it right too -- by NOT fretting.

Fretting aka worry aka being concerned is utterly worthless. Any second we spend on fretting and worrying is totally worthless. Any second we spend fretting and worrying can’t accomplish anything.

Fretting and worrying can’t change the past or control the future. It's like sitting in a rocking chair, going back and forth, back and forth and going nowhere. No progress is made and we use up a lot of energy!

I like how The Message Bible translates Philippians 4:6 : “Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers.” I am going to get it right -- from here to Christmas Day and beyond. It is prayer and praise that changes things. NO Fretting allowed here, my dear!