Psalm 37:1, 4 (NRSV) Do not fret yourself because of evildoers; do not be jealous of those who do wrong…Take delight in the LORD, and he shall give you your heart’s desire.
I fret a lot, which puts me at odds with this morning’s psalm. Yet when it comes to fretting, instead of feeling defensive or ashamed, I take comfort in the frequency with which Jesus addresses the topic of not fretting. I take it as a sign that fretting is normal—that I am not alone in my worries.
The trouble with fretting is that it is often in conflict with trust, specifically the incredible trust that God will give us what we need. Looking to God for what I need turns out to be an irritating and important step toward remembering that I am not God. Remembering this important fact opens pathways of gratitude and delight.
I don’t think it is accidental that Jesus teaches his disciples to pray for daily bread—just enough for today. Neither is it an accident that Jesus next tells his disciples to ask for forgiveness. Give us…Forgive us…Forgive us our mistrust, Lord. Remind us not to fret; you give us enough for today.
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