Do not fret...

17Jul
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.

-Psalm 27:1-8


Life is so much more difficult when one holds every minor slight, sharp word, or overt insult. When you are the recipient of a wrong, you may carry anger. Or perhaps you carry guilt over a wrong that you have done to someone else…


I carried a grudge for months before a friend – who in this case had a much greater grievance than I – told me quite bluntly to “Let it go!” Easier said than done! But he reminded me of the old saying that “Resentment is a poison you brew for others that you must first drink yourself.” 


In my opinion, it is easier to release my guilt when I have hurt someone else but then have my apology accepted. I find it more difficult to forgive someone who (in my mind) has unrepentantly wronged me. 


My heart is lighter without the weight of guilt or resentment. I aspire to emulate the duck who lets the rain run off her back. With faith - and a lot of practice - so can we do the same. 


Psalm 37 guides us not to fret, resent, or be angry – but to trust, be still, and find peace within yourself and because of your faith. 


Musical Reflection - Lay My Burden Down - Mississippi John Hurt

Merciful God, it sometimes feels like death to let go of hurt and resentment. Remind me today that there is joy and new life on the other side! Amen.

PsalmsAcceptancePentecost

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