Overcoming fretting
Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you. He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn, and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun. Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes. Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper—it only leads to harm. Psalm 37:5-8
When we learn to commit and trust everything to the Lord, the tendency of getting envious about other’s success or prosperity will be prevented. The admonition from the text is to not “fret’ or be anxious of other’s blessings. As followers of God, we need to be careful not to desire the possessions of others. Sometimes those possessions may have been acquired through unethical or unscrupulous methods. “Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.” Such attitude could lead to anger and if not addressed could extend for a period of time and lead to unhealthy rage. Allow God to decide and act. “Be still in the presence of the Lord.” This means we have to be quiet in the Lord’s presence and not be constantly and impatiently complaining about the success of the wicked. At times, the issue is not about acquiring possessions, but the obsession for the properties of others. Instead of coveting the blessings of others, be grateful and “Trust him, and he will help you.” Once we allow ourselves to be overcome by jealousy concerning the possessions of others, this will prevent us from living lives worthy of God’s calling. Fix our eyes upon the providence of God, and to draw from it comfort in all our distresses. Those who obey this advice will avoid the horrible maze in which all men labor in vain. When we allow God to take control of the affairs of our lives, we will learn how to be content and satisfied. “Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:11-13 NLT).
Blessings,
