Some Worrying Is Ok, Right?: Psalm 37:8 (Faithfulness)

Read Galatians 5:22-23:

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."

Are you ready to make an investment in the Fruit of Faithfulness?

What are you worrying about right now?

Read Psalm 37:8: "Do not fret— it only causes harm."

Stay with this verse a moment or two, then select 'Successful' when you are ready to proceed.

Go to the DOCUMENTS button above and read Oswald Chambers' comments on worrying.

Select 'Successful' when you are finished.

Oswald states:

"It is one thing to say, “Do not fret,” but something very different to have such a nature that you find yourself unable to fret. It’s easy to say, “Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him” (Psalm 37:7) until our own little world is turned upside down and we are forced to live in confusion and agony like so many other people."

When your world gets 'turned upside down', how often do find yourself worrying?

Oswald continues:

"Is it possible to “rest in the Lord” then? If this “Do not” doesn’t work there, then it will not work anywhere. This “Do not” must work during our days of difficulty and uncertainty, as well as our peaceful days, or it will never work. And if it will not work in your particular case, it will not work for anyone else. Resting in the Lord is not dependent on your external circumstances at all, but on your relationship with God Himself."

What does your worrying have to do with your relationship with God?

Oswald adds:

"We tend to think that a little anxiety and worry are simply an indication of how wise we really are, yet it is actually a much better indication of just how wicked we are. Fretting rises from our determination to have our own way."

Take a moment to get quiet.

When you are ready, ask God to reveal to you how your worry is originating directly from your determination to have your own way.

Write down anything you receive.

(Note: if you did not receive anything anything, write down the answer that comes to you mind).

Oswald observes:

"Our Lord never worried and was never anxious, because His purpose was never to accomplish His own plans but to fulfill God’s plans. Fretting is wickedness for a child of God."

Regarding your relationship with God, is there anything you would like to repent of (express your sorrow)?

If so, you can do so privately, or in the space provided.

Oswald asks:

"Have you been propping up that foolish soul of yours with the idea that your circumstances are too much for God to handle?"

How frequently do you find yourself believing that your difficulties are too much for God or that He just doesn't know or care about your particular problems?

Oswald adds::

"Set all your opinions and speculations aside and “abide under the shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1). Deliberately tell God that you will not fret about whatever concerns you."

Take a moment to come before God. Tell Him:

That you will trust Him with every problem, no matter how overwhelming it may appear to be.
That you know that He is constantly watching over and protecting you.
That you trust Him to guide you in how to deal with your current difficulties and through any other problems that may come your way.

Select 'Successful' when you are finished.

Oswald concludes:

"All our fretting and worrying is caused by planning without God."

Going forward, are you willing to consider seeking God directly before you put your own plans and priorities into motion?

Finally, take a moment to thank God for trusting you with your current difficulties. Thank Him for the opportunity to be a light and an example for others to see and follow.

You can thank Him privately or write in the space provided.

How much has this Trail increased the Fruit of Faithfulness in your current disposition?