Fretting . . . Again!

I fretted again last night.  As usual, it was in the middle of the night.  Tossing and turning and trying to figure things out in the way that seemed right to me (Proverbs 14:12).  And, as usual, I tossed and turned myself right into exhaustion, finally falling asleep reading my favorite children's book, Understood Betsy, on my phone.  Did I try giving my fret-thing to the Lord?  Yes.  Did I then try to help God out by thinking things through for Him?  Yes.  Did I even quote Scripture to myself?  Yes. 

Even when we do all the right things, sometimes fretting just overtakes us and turns us into sniveling little bunnies, crouching under the teeth of the local hound (I know that of which I speak with that metaphor - see local hound below). 

 

This morning I read Psalm 32, and was encouraged in my fight against fretting.  Blessed be the Lord, for he has wondrously shown his steadfast love to me when I was in a besieged city.  I had said in my alarm, "I am cut off from your sight."  But you heard the voice of my pleas for mercy when I cried to you for help. 

Love the Lord, all you his saints!  The Lord preserves the faithful but abundantly repays the one who acts in pride.  Be strong, and let your heart take courage,

all you who wait for the Lord!

 

 

God rescues me; He shows His steadfast love to me when I am besieged by fear and trembling.  He hears my cries for mercy.  Just as He called Joshua to be strong and courageous, He calls me to it as well.  And mostly, this morning, I am to wait.  God is at work.  I need not fret.