Choose Faith Over Fretfulness

I woke up this morning somewhat disquieted in spirit. I’m not sure why.

From about 3 a.m. until after 4:00 a.m., I laid in bed with my mind racing from one thought to another. I didn’t feel like getting up. But I didn’t feel like laying there awake.

I wish I had already written my post for today, but I had procrastinated. Again. What to write?

I checked the news and quickly learned that today is the 22nd anniversary of the tragic Columbine shooting. Thirteen were killed in that horrific massacre by two teenage gunmen.

I began thinking about all the other mass shootings since then. My mind reflected on the wickedness in the world. How many times in the past 9 years I have written about evil? I checked. Quite a few times.

Why is evil rampant in our country?

IF God is good, why does evil occur?

“An Act of Pure Evil.”

When Evil Abounds What Can the Righteous Do?

Good vs Evil

Living in an Evil, Chaotic World

How Do You Explain Evil?

After looking at this list I was even more discouraged and disquieted. I couldn’t stomach thinking or writing any more about iniquity and the vile deeds by people whom the devil has poisoned with his lies.

Then I wondered, “What is today’s Bible reading?”

It was Psalm 37. The first line jumped off the page.

“Do not fret because of evildoers.”

This is immediately followed by 5 positive instructions.

“Trust in the Lord” (v. 4).

“Delight in the Lord” (v. 4).

“Commit your way to the Lord” (v. 5-6).

“Rest in the Lord” (v. 7-11)

“Wait patiently for (the Lord)” v. 7

As I read, I realized that whatever I’m feeling about the sad plight of humanity is nothing new. King David experienced it a thousand years before Christ. Evil acts by evil people is not a modern-day phenomenon.

While it is depressing to witness man’s inhumanity to man, it’s also disheartening to see some wicked people prosper. And to experience the oppression in some situations against righteous people. David admonished us not to worry about that either.

Not only can we trust God during difficult times, but we can also be assured that He understands our plight. Feels our pain. And cares about our problems. Furthermore, we can count on the Lord to bless us. He will provide for us the physical provisions needful for life, as well as supply spiritual strength and blessings to press on.

Lastly, the Lord will deliver us from evil and judge the wicked. The eternal principle is proven throughout the Bible and by personal observation.

“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Gal. 6:7-10).

Regardless of what happens in the world, or around us, our actions, attitudes, and feelings result from our choices.

Choose trust in God over doubt.

Choose good over evil.

Choose the spirit over the flesh.

Choose positive thinking over negative thinking.

Choose godly ambition over ungodly aspirations.

Choose truth over error.

Choose contentment over worry.

Choose courage over fear.

Choose faith over fretfulness.

Now. I feel better. I hope you do too.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman