Why You Don’t Have to Be Anxious
I mentioned in my sermon here at St. Matthew’s that I really love the book of Psalms. They are honest, they are beautiful and they speak to the heart, and come from the heart. They really are some of the most powerful words on all the scripture.
So, often when I am reading the texts for each day, my eyes are drawn to whatever the Psalms for the day may be. Today was Psalm 37. Something about verses 7-9 caught me today:
Be still before the Lord, and wait patiently for him;
do not fret over those who prosper in their way,
over those who carry out evil devices.
Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath.
Do not fret—it leads only to evil.
For the wicked shall be cut off,
but those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land.
Two times it mentions, “do not fret.” Do not get anxious. Do not get all roiled up. Just breath. Relax. Just take a moment and breathe in and breathe out.
Why? Why shouldn’t we get all kinds of anxious? Don’t you know what’s happening in the world? Don’t you know what’s happening in my life?
Sure, lots of things are going on. But here’s why we shouldn’t fret.
First, we don’t need to get anxious because of what that produces. “Do not fret – it leads only to evil.” Think about how much evil, how much done wrong, how much that causes pain to others comes out of worry and fear.
Fear is a dangerous thing. Fear leads us to do things we normally wouldn’t do.
As Christians, as the church, we can’t and we shouldn’t be fearful. First, because it can cause us to act in ways that just aren’t Christian. Fear affects our tongue. It affects our actions. It affects so many things. Don’t fret – it leads only to evil.
And second, we shouldn’t fret because we know Who is in control. God is not surprised by anything that happens in our lives; God is not surprised by anything that happens in the world. He has it. Seriously. Don’t fret. Don’t be afraid. Don’t worry.
Live a life guided by confidence in God, not shaken by the fear of the unknown, or even the known.
Don’t fret.
Trust.
Obey.
It’s ok.
God has it.
Be faithful.
He’ll take care of the rest.