Tag: Matthew 11:28

The Anchored Soul – Day 9 – Out of Earshot? Never!

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Psalm 61:2: “From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

Life has a way of feeling like a vast, winding valley. In the middle of it, the beauty of the landscape can quickly be overshadowed by the sheer vastness of the mountains ahead. There are moments when the path feels too steep, the baggage too heavy, and our own strength far too small.

When David wrote this Psalm, he wasn’t just enjoying a view; he was crying out from a place of emotional exhaustion. He used the word overwhelmed, which in Hebrew suggests a heart that is “faint” or “wrapped in darkness.” He felt small compared to the size of his struggles.

‛âṭaph
aw-taf’
A primitive root; to shroud, that is, clothe (whether transitively or reflexively); hence (from the idea of darkness) to languish: – cover (over), fail, faint, feebler, hide self, be overwhelmed, swoon.

But notice his response:

  1. He acknowledges his location: “From the end of the earth.” No matter how far you feel from peace or from God, you are never out of God’s earshot.
  2. He lifts his gaze: Instead of focusing on his circumstances, he looks up. He recognizes that he needs something more stable and bigger than himself.
  3. He asks for guidance: “Lead me.” He doesn’t try to climb the mountain alone. He asks the Creator of those very peaks to take him by the hand.

The “Rock” represents Christ (1 Corinthians 10:4), a foundation that doesn’t shift when the storms blow through the valley. When your heart feels crowded by worry and anxiety, remember that there is a higher vantage point. God doesn’t always remove the mountain, but He promises to lead you to a place that is higher and greater than your problems.

Reflect: What is one “mountain” in your life today that feels too big? Can you take a moment to stop climbing and simply ask the Lord to lead you to His higher ground? Consider reading these verses for further encouragement:

Isaiah 41:10: Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Psalm 46:1: God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Matthew 11:28: Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

John 14:27: Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Philippians 4:6–7: Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Soar As Eagles – God’s Promises

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Zephaniah 3:17  The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.

Anyone who has read Romans chapter 11 can see that the olive tree represents Israel. God has not abandoned Israel for the Church – Israel remains the olive tree. But now, the Church is grafted into the tree as its branches. It does not mean that we must follow Jewish traditions and laws. It means that as Israel is part of God’s redemptive plan through their Messiah, the Church is also part of God’s redemptive plan because of Israel’s Messiah, our Saviour Jesus Christ! Because of Jesus’s death on the cross and His shed blood is for all (John 3:16), the Gentiles can now have salvation through the Jewish Messiah! Praise the Lord!

Certainly not all promises made to Israel pertain to the Church, as we see throughout Scripture, and specifically the Tribulation prophecies. However, there are some verses that we as believers can enjoy and be comforted by. Today’s verse is one of those verses that I find great comfort and pleasure. Let’s pick it apart and I will share what the Lord has blessed me with:

  • The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty: Jehovah God is not in the midst of Israel only but He is in our midst as well! Jesus’s presence, through the Holy Spirit of the Living God, walks in the midst of the Church!
    • Revelation 1:12-13  And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;  (13)  And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.
  • He will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy:
    • Luke 15:10  Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. Psalm 147:11  The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.
  • He will rest in his love:
    • Matthew 11:28  Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
  • He will joy over thee with singing: Because we are part of the olive tree, and God’s character never changes, we can rest in knowing that the Lord joys over the Church with singing as well. One of my favorite hymns in “Beulah Land”! The Church longs for Beulah Land just as much as our Jewish brothers and sisters.
    • Isaiah 62:4-5  Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken; neither shall thy land any more be termed Desolate: but thou shalt be called Hephzibah, and thy land Beulah: for the LORD delighteth in thee, and thy land shall be married.  (5)  For as a young man marrieth a virgin, so shall thy sons marry thee: and as the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee.

If you happened onto this page, I pray you have received a blessing! If you are not 100% certain that you would go to Heaven when you die, please follow this link and you can read the Scriptures for yourself that will guide you to salvation!

Do Not Be Afraid – Day 12

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(1 Kings 17:13)  And Elijah said unto her, Fear not; go and do as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son.

I’ve often said that God is a multitasker! He often gives multiple blessings in one scenario. As we look at Elijah the prophet (see 1 Kings 17), we find him being sustained by God in remarkable and miraculous ways. God tells Elijah to go to the brook Cherith, where He will command the ravens to feed Elijah, which shows us His divine provision. But notice for a moment the significance of this story: God not only provided bread through the ravens, but the brook Cherith also provided fresh water for him, ensuring that all of Elijah’s essential needs were met. How profound is this illustration of God’s care and resourcefulness! We see so many instances in God’s Word that speak of His provisions using bread and water, symbolizing sustenance and life. It stands to reason that Jesus would tell us that He is the bread of life (John 6:35) and the water that gives eternal life (John 4:14), emphasizing the importance of both in our spiritual journey. In this way, God takes care of Elijah’s needs in a multifaceted manner, which leads us to today’s reference, reminding us that in our own lives, God operates in similar ways, often surprising us with how He provides for us amidst our own challenges.

God now tells Elijah to go to Zarephath where He has commanded a widow to feed him. Once again, God takes care of His servant, demonstrating His unwavering provision and love. But this time, God uses this extraordinary event not only to sustain Elijah but also to bless the widow abundantly. Here’s where God’s multitasking comes into play. This poor widow, in dire straits, had but a bit of meal and oil left to prepare what she thought would be a final meal for herself and her son. As Elijah approaches her, he asks for food, fully aware of her desperate situation. She responds with a heart full of despair, admitting that all she has left is merely enough for their last meal. Elijah, acting as the messenger of God, tells her not to fear but to go ahead and prepare the last meal, insisting that she feed him first, then make a meal for her and her son. Can you imagine what thoughts were racing through her mind at that moment? As any loving parent would, her child naturally occupied the center of her thoughts and priorities. She must have wrestled internally with the gigantic question: Why should she give a stranger something to eat while potentially depriving her own son of nourishment? This would be a heart-wrenching decision for anyone in her position. Yet, Elijah reassured her, telling her not to be afraid, as God had assured him that He had commanded this widow to help him. In her heart, she grappled with the knowledge that she was meant to do what Elijah instructed, nonetheless, I can imagine her hesitance and turmoil as it related to her own flesh and blood. With a heavy heart but guided by faith, she ultimately chose to follow Elijah’s message and did exactly what he told her to do. Miraculously, we are told that there was enough food for them to eat for many days. This act of faith not only filled their stomachs but led to an astonishing outcome where Elijah was fed, the widow and her son were nourished, and her barrel of meal along with her cruse of oil never went empty: three profound blessings wrapped into one divine miracle. In this narrative, we see the beautiful intertwining of obedience, faith, and God’s generous provision, reminding us that sometimes, in our most challenging moments, our willingness to share and trust can lead to unexpected blessings beyond our imagination.

Furthermore, we find that later, the widow’s son fell sick and died, plunging her into a deep despair. Her first reaction was to question Elijah, desperately seeking answers in her time of grief. She wondered if her past sins were the reason Elijah came to her, believing that she was being judged for them by the tragic loss of her son. I can imagine what was going through Elijah’s mind at this point. Elijah took her lifeless boy to his own room, laying him on the bed with utmost care. He stretched himself upon the boy three times, fervently crying out to God to restore the boy’s life. God, in His infinite mercy, heard Elijah’s plea, and miraculously, life entered the boy once more. Can you imagine the widow’s reaction? She must have been overjoyed as she was given her son back, her heart overflowing with gratitude and amazement, leading her to proclaim, “Now by this I know that thou art a man of God, and that the word of the LORD in thy mouth is truth.” This moment marked a powerful affirmation of Elijah’s divine commission. God initially commanded Elijah to go to Zarephath, and as we read this account, we automatically attribute the trip as a means to provide food during a time of famine. However, upon deeper reflection, we realize that the last and perhaps most profound miracle God performed through Elijah was to raise the widow’s son from the dead! This act of resurrection served as a fourth blessing, showing us the depth of God’s compassion and power, His providence, and in my opinion, it functioned as the catalyst to the entire account, weaving together themes of faith, redemption, and divine intervention in a time of desperate need.

Therefore, dear reader, do not be afraid when circumstances of life are overwhelming, for these trials often come to strengthen us and prepare us for greater blessings. God is always at work, even when we cannot see or understand His plan. You don’t know what is going on “in the background,” as His divine wisdom orchestrates every detail of our lives for our ultimate good. In times of uncertainty, remember that God is actively shaping our paths and guiding us toward His purpose. You can rest assured that the outcome will always be perfect (Proverbs 3:5-6) when you allow the Lord to do His work without your interference, trusting wholeheartedly in His unfailing love and faithfulness. Embrace each moment, knowing that every struggle is a stepping stone leading us closer to His divine purpose.

(Matthew 11:28)  Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

If you just happened on this post and are born again, I pray it is an encouragement to you. However, if you are not 100% certain you would go to Heaven when you die, please follow this link and it will walk you through the Scriptures that will lead you to salvation through Jesus Christ.

Do Not Be Afraid – Day 6

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Revelation 1:17  And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:

I love how Jesus knows us so intimately. He recognizes our fears and touches us, reminding us not to be afraid, as He reaches out with His unwavering love even in our darkest moments. There have been times in my own life where the enemy worked through my circumstances to cause me to be afraid, sowing seeds of anxiety that threatened to overwhelm me. It was only through the prayers of friends and family, who stood by me, that I found the strength to keep looking upward, lifting my gaze beyond those shadows of uncertainty. Their steadfast support and faith reminded me of the power of Christian brothers and sisters, helping me on this path toward hope and reaffirming that I am never alone in my struggles.

Matthew 11:28  Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Psalm 23:3  He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Psalm 56:3  What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.

It is good for believers to commit Bible verses to memory so they can turn to their “arsenal” when they are afraid. This arsenal helps them to draw upon truths that have the power to uplift and bolster their spirits in trying times. God’s Word possesses the extraordinary power to help Christians overcome life’s various challenges, and it guides them through periods of doubt, anxiety, and despair. It should be a vital part of a believer’s everyday life, serving not only as a source of comfort but also as a reminder of the unwavering love and support that God offers. Even when I can’t remember the Bible reference or the exact wording, I am able to encourage myself with what I remember. Each time those cherished verses resonate in my heart and mind. For instance, I recently went through a series of medical tests which tested me in the area of fear, pushing me to confront the uncertainties about my health. In those moments of anxiety, I quoted Psalm 23 to myself and was greatly encouraged, finding solace in its promise of the Lord’s love, guidance, and protection. The fear left and was replaced with peace, allowing me to face my situation with renewed strength and assurance, confident that I am never alone in my struggles.

I heard a message recently where the Pastor quoted St. Augustine and it had a profound impact on me:

God loves each of us as if there was only one of us. St. Augustine

Fear can destroy a believer’s peace, undermining the very foundation of their faith and trust in God. It is no wonder that the Lord gave us so many verses to help us with that fear! His Word serves as a powerful reminder and a comfort to our troubled hearts during trying times. The enemy wants the believer to fall into his trap of fear because he knows in doing so, we will be ineffective for Christ, crippling our ability to spread His love and truth. It is in our weaknesses that Christ’s power is revealed to the unbelieving world, showing that even in our lowest moments, His strength can shine through us. As the beloved Apostle Paul said, “my strength is made perfect in weakness,” reminding us that reliance on Christ transforms our fears into opportunities for His glory. Through prayer and the promises found in Scripture, we can combat our fear and embrace the peace that only comes from our Saviour.

2 Corinthians 12:9  And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

The believer is equipped with everything he needs to live out the Christian life. The unbeliever does not have that ability and will easily fall into the hands of the enemy. If you are not 100% certain that you will go to Heaven when you die, won’t you make that decision now? Follow this link and you will be able to read the Bible verses that will lead you to the peace I speak of.

A Mother’s Heart – Day 15 – Healing

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Whether your child has been gone for years or you are new to this pain, please know that your heart will heal over time. It is a journey that takes patience and strength. Your prodigal may remain a prodigal for years, and during this time, it is natural to feel despair but know it will turn to hope. Your pain will ease just as mine did, allowing you to find peace amidst the chaos. Now I can look at my situation with different eyes, understanding that healing unfolds a layer at a time, some of which are difficult but necessary for growth. I know that the enemy’s devices are strong; he sows doubt and fear in our hearts, but my God is stronger and offers love and refuge in our moments of need. The Lord may not bring your child home for a while, but there is a reason behind the waiting—a divine purpose that may one day bring understanding and reconciliation. Trust in this process and allow your heart to be open to possibilities you may not yet see. Trust in His Word:

(Psalm 147:3)  He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.

(Psalm 34:18)  The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.

(Jeremiah 17:14)  Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for thou art my praise.

(Matthew 11:28)  Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

I can’t help but think of Joseph’s life when his brothers did him wrong. His brothers, driven by jealousy and resentment, betrayed him in ways that were unimaginable, selling him into slavery and leaving him to wonder about their true intentions. Yet, despite their betrayal and the hardships he faced, Joseph’s response was spot on! It’s apparent that he chose forgiveness over bitterness. Instead of allowing his past to define him, he rose to significant positions of power while maintaining integrity, ultimately proving that adversity can be transformed into strength and opportunity. This could be your Joseph moment!

(Genesis 50:20)  But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.

Also, I think of Queen Esther. She was a remarkable figure who was placed in her position for a purpose not known to her at the time. She lived in a foreign land and faced immense challenges, yet her courage and resilience shined. Because of her obedience to Mordecai, God used her in a profound way. Her bravery in approaching the king, risking her own life to save her people, illustrates the importance of faith and divine providence in our lives. Esther’s journey serves as a powerful reminder that sometimes we are called to fulfill a greater purpose, even when we do not fully understand the reasons behind it. This could be your Esther moment!

(Esther 4:14)  For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?

As you are living in your pain, ask the Lord:

  • I want to be a Joseph, Lord. What would You have me do with this pain in order to glorify Your Name? Impress upon my heart Your will in this situation.
  • I want to be used as You used Esther. What is my “for such a time as this”? Teach me, Lord, so I can help others.

For me, it was writing about mothers with broken hearts. It helped me to heal and allowed me to share with other women who are going through the same thing. I pray that you have found some comfort the past couple of weeks!! If yes, glory be to God!

God, Are You Listening?

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Isaiah 59:1  Behold, the LORD’S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:

Psalm 120:1 A Song of degrees. In my distress I cried unto the LORD, and he heard me.

God always has an attentive ear! Today’s verses encourage the believer that despite our most difficult times, we can know that when we cry out to the Lord, He will hear us!

I love how the verse opens up with God’s arm is not shortened that He cannot save! That’s the first step to having God’s listening ear! Salvation is key to a two-way communication with God. God doesn’t hear the prayer of a sinner except the prayer is one asking for His salvation. Then God listens to everything we speak with our mouth and with our heart!

John 9:31  Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.

The Christian is not alone, even in the darkest of situations. There is nowhere we can go where God isn’t already there.

Psalm 139:7 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?

No matter how discouraged or weary we get, the Lord is always there – He knows what we are going through – He promises to hear our cries and provide us with exactly what we need to make it through our trial. He will lift us up in times when we are overwhelmed by life. At times, He even carries us through.

Some of you are battling cancer; some are battling chronic illnesses; and others are battling broken homes. You are not alone! Do not be weary. Know that your Heavenly Father will never leave you.

Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

I am always encouraged when I know that I am not alone, and that there is someone to share my burden with. The Lord desires to carry our burdens for us – He desires that we turn to Him when we are at the end of our rope.

Matthew 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Our Lord and Saviour promises us rest from our burdens and cares. Christian, turn to the only One who can truly help you when you are weary. He is the only one who can solve your problems! Don’t give in to Satan’s attempts to drag you down. Don’t give in to his lies that God does not hear you.

Psalm 121:1 A Song of degrees. I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.

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God, Are You Listening?

On By KateIn Devotionals, Thoughts and MeditationsLeave a comment

Isaiah 59:1  Behold, the LORD’S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:

Psalm 120:1 A Song of degrees. In my distress I cried unto the LORD, and he heard me.

God always has an attentive ear! Today’s verses encourage the believer that despite our most difficult times, we can know that when we cry out to the Lord, He will hear us!

I love how the verse opens up with God’s arm is not shortened that He cannot save! That’s the first step to having God’s listening ear! Salvation is key to a two-way communication with God. God doesn’t hear the prayer of a sinner except the prayer is one asking for His salvation. Then God listens to everything we speak with our mouth and with our heart!

John 9:31  Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.

The Christian is not alone, even in the darkest of situations. There is nowhere we can go where God isn’t already there.

Psalm 139:7 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?

No matter how discouraged or weary we get, the Lord is always there – He knows what we are going through – He promises to hear our cries and provide us with exactly what we need to make it through our trial. He will lift us up in times when we are overwhelmed by life. At times, He even carries us through.

Some of you are battling cancer; some are battling chronic illnesses; and others are battling broken homes. You are not alone! Do not be weary. Know that your Heavenly Father will never leave you.

Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

I am always encouraged when I know that I am not alone, and that there is someone to share my burden with. The Lord desires to carry our burdens for us – He desires that we turn to Him when we are at the end of our rope.

Matthew 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Our Lord and Saviour promises us rest from our burdens and cares. Christian, turn to the only One who can truly help you when you are weary. He is the only one who can solve your problems! Don’t give in to Satan’s attempts to drag you down. Don’t give in to his lies that God does not hear you.

Psalm 121:1 A Song of degrees. I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.

A Medical Emergency

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Psa 147:3-5  He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.  (4)  He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names.  (5)  Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite.

What would happen if you were to apply the same sense of urgency to your broken heart as you would to a broken bone? What would happen if you were to go to your Bible with the same passionate response as you would to the emergency room? The Bible has a lot to say about broken hearts! Broken hearts come in different forms: a broken relationship, a death, a loss of a job, to name a few. But one thing the Christian has that the unbelieving world doesn’t have is that God is at the center of their broken heart.

The Christian finds hope and encouragement that comes as a result of reading the Bible. God hands out healing a broken heart, at no charge! He binds up the wounds like a master doctor! He takes that broken heart and pieces it back together, making it ready for the next task at hand. What I found to be a blessing is that He knows every star and calls them by name! Are you impressed yet? Furthermore, the next verse says His understanding is infinite. No matter what the cause of your broken heart is, God knows the smallest details and understands what you are going through. No one can heal better than God! There’s not a doctor, counsellor or self-help book out there that can know every detail of your health. As well, none can heal every little detail!

If you are not encouraged yet, read the following verses that the Lord placed in His Word just for you!

Psa 34:18  The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.

1Pe 5:7  Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Isa 61:1  The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;

Mat 11:28  Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

The Lord’s healing can be found in the pages of your Bible, but you have to make the effort to pick up that Bible and read it! Let God’s Word cultivate your heart like a good gardener would. Let Him mold and shape your broken heart into a heart that whole and healed.

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A Medical Emergency

On By KateIn Devotionals, Thoughts and MeditationsLeave a comment

Psa 147:3-5  He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.  (4)  He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names.  (5)  Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite.

What would happen if you were to apply the same sense of urgency to your broken heart as you would to a broken bone? What would happen if you were to go to your Bible with the same passionate response as you would to the emergency room? The Bible has a lot to say about broken hearts! Broken hearts come in different forms: a broken relationship, a death, a loss of a job, to name a few. But one thing the Christian has that the unbelieving world doesn’t have is that God is at the center of their broken heart.

The Christian finds hope and encouragement that comes as a result of reading the Bible. God hands out healing a broken heart, at no charge! He binds up the wounds like a master doctor! He takes that broken heart and pieces it back together, making it ready for the next task at hand. What I found to be a blessing is that He knows every star and calls them by name! Are you impressed yet? Furthermore, the next verse says His understanding is infinite. No matter what the cause of your broken heart is, God knows the smallest details and understands what you are going through. No one can heal better than God! There’s not a doctor, counsellor or self-help book out there that can know every detail of your health. As well, none can heal every little detail!

If you are not encouraged yet, read the following verses that the Lord placed in His Word just for you!

Psa 34:18  The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.

1Pe 5:7  Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Isa 61:1  The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;

Mat 11:28  Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

The Lord’s healing can be found in the pages of your Bible, but you have to make the effort to pick up that Bible and read it! Let God’s Word cultivate your heart like a good gardener would. Let Him mold and shape your broken heart into a heart that whole and healed.

©All content on this site is protected under copyright. Unauthorized reproduction or distribution is strictly prohibited.

Peace Through Troubled Times – Fretting

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Psalm 37:1-8 A Psalm of David. Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. [2]  For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. [3]  Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. [4]  Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. [5]  Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. [6]  And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday. [7]  Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. [8]  Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.

Is it any wonder why people are more fearful these days? They look around and see chaos where there once was calmness. One only look at major cities and see the homeless population. Crime is up, jobs are down, and prices are escalating! All this doom and gloom can be overwhelming to some. So what exactly does one do when the cares of this world seem to take over one’s life? The Bible has all the answers, especially to believers!

The remedy for fear is clearly depicted in today’s Bible passage. There’s a clear outline and I laid it out for you in today’s graphic. The word “fret” starts off our “don’t do’s,” but what exactly does that word mean? I thought it meant not to worry, but not according to Noah Webster’s 1828 Dictionary.

To be agitated; to be in violent commotion; as the rancor that frets in the malignant breast.

To be vexed; to be chafed or irritated; to be angry; to utter peevish expressions. “He frets, he fumes, he stares, he stamps the ground.

Noah Webster’s 1828 dictionary

This definition is not what I expected at all. So God tells His child not to get agitated or have violent disturbances over seeing the sinner prosper. I can think of several circumstances of this type of agitation in my own circle of friends and acquaintances. How does God respond to this? In the very next verse, He tells us that their end will come and they will be cut down. No matter how bad life gets as a result of the evildoers, their time will come. People who give into their fears usually develop anxiety and mental illness. So is it any wonder that from 2007 to 2017, there was a 13% increase in mental health conditions? If you let it go far enough, it can literally disable you!

There has been a 13% rise in mental health conditions and substance use disorders in the last decade (to 2017). Mental health conditions now cause 1 in 5 years lived with disability.

World health organization

The next remedy is to “trust in the Lord”! Proverbs 3:5-6 is an excellent piece of advice from David’s own son, Solomon. There is nothing that happens that God has not already given the “go ahead.” He has allowed the circumstances in your life for a reason: (1) to grow you spiritually, or (2) to teach you a lesson. The conclusion to either one should be to trust Him.

We then come to a somewhat odd remedy and that is to delight oneself in the Lord. Noah Webster said: “Delight is a more permanent pleasure than joy, and not dependent on sudden excitement.” When one has the joy of the Lord in their hearts, one delights in Him. When we delight in Him, He will bless you with the desires of your heart. The desires He gives you will most certainly be according to His will for you.

Committing your way has more emphasis than trust. It means you have no doubt that God will handle whatever situation you have placed in His care. You have entrusted God because you know for a fact that He will provide the answer and fulfill your need according to His will. He is your Jehovah Jireh. (Genesis 22:14) Just as God provided a sacrifice to Abraham to replace Isaac, so will God provide you with what you will need for every situation when you commit your way to Him. Committing to God brings with it a sense of surety knowing without a doubt that God will handle it.

The next remedy is to “Rest in the LORD”! Oh Reader, have you rested in the Lord? Rest is to stop, to be quiet; free of any disturbances in your life. It’s a time of complete reconciliation with God. Jesus told us about this rest in Matthew 11:28. There is no rest for the unbeliever because he has a God-shaped hole in his heart that has been filled with the cares of this world. But to the believer, we can rest in the fact that God’s Word is never wrong! Amen?

Then we are given a gentle reminder not to fret. This ends the remedy. However, now begins the application. No remedy is able to perform its cure if it is never taken or applied. If you’re a believer, you have everything you need at your fingertips.

If you are not truly born-again, there is coming a time when it will be too late for you to repent and be saved. It is no coincidence that God has placed you here for such a time as this so that you may be saved if you are not already. Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab You Can Be Born Again and Know It!