FRET NOT
By Patricia Jackson
McDowell County 
As a child growing up in a rural area, there were two notable places to go; the week of July 4th, camping at Myrtle Beach, and the Fall County Fair. I would count down the days as I relived the previous year’s memorable experiences. I could picture in my mind the great body of water that spanned as far as the eye could see and almost hear the sounds of the water crashing against the long sandy beach. I could practically taste the saltwater and feel the sensation of floating on an inner-tube as I lazily enjoyed the sun’s hot rays.
The County fair also held sights and sounds too fantastic for a child to miss. Even before we found a parking space among other cars lined in a row, I could hear the music, children’s laughter, and see the lights on the colossal Ferris wheel as it turned. We excitingly urged our parents to “hurry up; let’s go.” My father would laugh and say, “It will all be there. It isn’t going anywhere”. Almost daily, before the event, I would fret over when we would go.
Those childhood memories came back to me as I read Psalm 37, written centuries ago by the Psalmist David. Verse 1 states, “Fret not thyself because of evildoers.” The definition of “Fret” is distraught, distressed, apprehensive, anxious, or agitated. My impatient fretting did not hasten these two events. As adults, we question whether we should do this or that, what will happen with either decision. Before long, we are in a storm of outright anxiety – or fretting!! We may not realize the relatively simple thought that if we worry or fret, it will not change the outcome.
Very few of us have ever or will experience persecution from evildoers to the degree David had. King Saul hunted David for years to kill him. But Psalm 37 tells us David knew he was not alone and that God cares. God worked to protect David and bring about His will in David’s life. Verse 1 is written to us, you, and me, to bring peace to our hearts. God’s words and promises never change. “For I am the Lord, I change not.” (Malachi 3:6). I Peter 3:12 “for the eyes of the Lord are all over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers.” God listened to the concerns of David and others in the bible, and He will also listen to our worries and needs. “I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.” (Psalm 3:4).
God also responds or acts. In V. 2, David tells us that “For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.” “In just a little while, the wicked will be no more.” (Psalm 37:10). In V. 13, “The Lord shall laugh at him” indicates God is actively involved in bringing the wicked down. V 9. “For evildoers shall be cut off and those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth.” The Lord loves justice, and He will not forsake His saints, nor abandon the righteous.
God promises to hear, respond, take action, and keep His eyes and ears open to our prayers. Therefore, our hearts should not be troubled. (John 14: 1).
My favorite reason not to fret or be anxious for something to happen is Isaiah 65:24 “And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer, and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.” These scriptures tell me God knows about my problem before I ask, and He will provide the solution that is best for me.
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Patricia Jackson is the Assistant Teacher for the Ladies Class at Redeemed Free Will Baptist Church, Glenwood, NC. She is a grant writer for non-profits, a published author and retired Nursing Home Administrator. She lives in Rutherford County with her husband. Contact information: email address: wyo2go@bellsouth.net.
You can read more good news from Patricia HERE.
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