In this world, it is easy to find ourselves caught up in fret and worry. And if you are worrying about something, then you are familiar with the gnawing sensation it causes in both heart and mind.

There is no rest.

There is no peace.

But, worry and fret are contrary to what we are called to in Christ Jesus.

The Word says:

Do not fret because of those who are evil
or be envious of those who do wrong;
for like the grass they will soon wither,
like green plants they will soon die away.

Trust in the Lord and do good;
dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Commit your way to the Lord;
trust in him and he will do this:
He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn,
your vindication like the noonday sun.

Be still before the Lord
and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when people succeed in their ways,
when they carry out their wicked schemes.

Refrain from anger and turn from wrath;
do not fret—it leads only to evil.
For those who are evil will be destroyed,
but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land. Psalm 37:1-9 (emphasis mine)

It also says:

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:6-9 (emphasis mine)

These are just two, of the MANY, passages of Scripture about fret and worry.

When I looked up the definition of fret in the dictionary, I wasn’t surprised to find that it said “to feel or express worry, annoyance, discontent or the like.” However, another definition stuck out to me. Fret also means, “erosion; corrosion; gnawing” and “a worn or eroded place.”

This made me think of John 10:10.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10

It is our enemy (Satan) who comes to steal, kill and destroy. But Jesus came so that we can have LIFE and have it to the FULL! There are no worn or eroded places in Christ…only fullness.

If you find yourself fretting or worrying about something, take some time to meditate on the above Scriptures. I have put what we are not supposed to do in bold and I have underlined what we are supposed to do. I challenge you to find the Promises in those passages. When we fix our eyes on Jesus, and daily renew our minds in the Word of God, we can throw off worry and fret, and cling to the very Promises of God!

I also challenge you to look up other Scripture on worry, anxiety, fear, etc… (this may be a great time to start a battle board!).

And feel free to share in the comments any passages that have helped you to stay focused on the Lord when you have found yourself in the midst of worry and fret.

Be blessed!

“fret.” Dictionary.com. 2018. http://www.dictionary.com/browse/fret?s=t (29 November 2017).