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Written by Margaret Bottome (1827-1906), an American reformer, organizational founder, Bible teacher, and author.

This [Fret not] to me is a Divine command; the same as “Thou shalt not steal.” Now let us get to the definition of fretting. One good definition is, “Made rough on the surface.” “Rubbed, or worn away”; and a peevish, irrational, fault-finding person not only wears himself out, but is very wearing to others. To fret is to be in a state of vexation, and in this Psalm we are not only told not to fret because of evildoers, but to fret not “in anywise.” It is injurious, and God does not want us to hurt ourselves. A physician will tell you that a fit of anger is more injurious to the system than a fever, and a fretful disposition is not conducive to a healthy body; and you know rules are apt to work both ways, and the next step down from fretting is crossness, and that amounts to anger. Let us settle this matter, and be obedient to the command, “Fret not.”

Prayer:

Written by James Lowry, a contemporary retired pastor and author. This is from his book “Prayers for the Lord’s Day.”

Lord God, forgive us. We have grown comfortable with the mundane and suspicious of the spectacular: We work and see in it little purpose; We play and see in it little pleasure; We fret and see in it little point. Startle us, we pray, with truth that will shake us, and with love that will not let us go. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.