The Ugly Truth About Fretting

While reading my daily devotional, this question jumped off the page, “What use can thy fretting serve?” (L.B. Cowman, Streams in the Desert).

The word fretting was not new to me, but something about it was intriguing so I looked it up:

Fret - “to eat or gnaw into; corrode” (Merriam-Webster, Definition 1a).

Mind blown. 

I have relied on Philippians 4:6-7 often in my life. I knew God wanted me to have peace, but what I did not understand was that fretting, anxiety, and worry were eating away at not only my peace, but also at me.

Let’s look at the scripture.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7,ESV).

As we reflect on this passage in relation to what we know about fretting, what is going to happen when we are anxious, worried or fretful? The peace God gives us to guard our hearts and minds will become corroded.  Not by Him, but by us.  Once that peace is fully corroded and its protection is gone, what will the fretting begin to eat or gnaw into? 

OUR HEARTS AND OUR MINDS! 

Again, mind blown.  Now, let it sink in for a minute.

“When we are anxious and not feeling any peace in our body, what are we feeling?” 

When we are anxious and not feeling any peace in our body, what are we feeling?  Possibly a nervous or sick feeling in our gut?  What happens to our mind?  Some are unable to think clearly or only think about the situation being fretted over.  We lose sleep and can be irritable.  All of this makes prayer, nearness to the Lord, and a thankful heart seem impossible.

Do you see where I am going?  Fretting corrodes our spirit, mind, and body!

“Fretting corrodes our spirit, mind, and body!”

Aren’t you glad this post does not end on that note? In the very next passage, our gracious God tells us how to live in His peace.

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me – practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:8-9, ESV).

“‘Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.’”

How do we do all of this?  What are some practical action steps we can take to operate within the peace the Lord longs for us to experience?  Maybe you will find these helpful:

1. Thank the Lord for the peace existing within you through the Holy Spirit.  It is already there.

2. Give God 15 minutes, or more if possible, each morning.  Read one of the Psalms, listen to a couple of praise songs and immediately your day is off to a Christ-centered start.

3. Think of 5 things you are grateful for each day and thank the Lord for them.

4. Cut back on TV and social media as much as possible. Read a book or go for a walk.  Turn on some music, it is good for the soul.

5. Instead of texting someone who is on your mind, pick up the phone and press the call button.

6. Find a hobby or a form of self-care that you can regularly incorporate into your life.

These are only a few suggestions. If you ever want to talk further about pursuing the peace of God or cultivating healthy habits to make your days less stressful and more productive, please contact us.  We are here to help you.

Now, to answer the question, “What use can thy fretting serve?,” absolutely no use at all. 

“Now, to answer the question, ‘What use can thy fretting serve?,’ absolutely no use at all.”