Do Not Fret

Text: “Do not fret because of evildoers, nor be envious of the workers of iniquity” (Psalm 37:1).

There are many people in the world who prosper at the expense of other people. They use whatever means necessary to take advantage of people. These people are only looking out for themselves. The possession of worldly items is all they care about. Honesty is not in their vocabulary.

In most cases, these people see nothing wrong with the things they are doing. It is like when you do something wrong a number of times that which you are doing seems to be appear right and proper in your mind. The guilt feeling was present at the beginning, but with time and repetition that guilt feeling disappeared.

The world seems to be full of people who do evil things. It appears that people who flourish in accumulating worldly possessions are in control of their destiny. I would venture to say that these people really believe in their heart their actions are justifiable.

They might have a large expensive house, a glorious job, the best automobile on the market and lead a social life envied by their neighbors and friends. They are even looked up to by people in their neighborhood, their church, their work and their families. The people of the world tend to look at worldly possessions, but God looks at what is in the heart.

David tells us not to fret, worry, or get upset because of what other people might have. Have you ever wished for something someone else had? Did the things you could not seem to acquire ever upset you? Did you ever wish you had a house like someone else or a car of great value like the one your neighbor owns?

Did you ever wish you could afford to belong to some of the more elite social clubs, go on expensive vacations, or send your children to private schools instead of the large mediocre public schools? If you did, then you were envious or jealous of what someone else had.

There is a good chance these neighbors are living beyond their means, especially if you know where they work and the job responsibility they have. People can give other people a false impression of their real status in life, but they cannot fool Almighty God.

Those who acquire a higher standard of living by evil means are basically miserable people. They are not God-fearing people. They show no interest in the spiritual realm of life. The interest of these people is centered on the physical aspects of life. They have no conscience so the little voice within their body is not heard. Other people soon take notice at what appears to be the ultimate in living.

“Do not fret because of evildoers, nor be envious of the workers of iniquity” (Psalm 37:1). Why should we not fret, worry or be upset when other people seem to get all the breaks and always smell like a rose?

We need not fret because of these people because “They will soon be cut down like the grass and wither as the green herb” (Psalm 37:2). Things do not give people lasting satisfaction. The most expensive automobile is only new for a little while then the newness wears off.

After that their interest moves to something else. Total satisfaction is never reached. They are no longer happy and excited about that which was once new. Acquiring a new item or doing a new thing soon becomes a habit. A habit is not really something that someone enjoys. It becomes a strong desire that will soon become a weight for that person. Eventually, the habit will destroy the person.

Constant and continuous gambling is a habit that misuses what God intended to be used for His glory. Alcohol or drinking becomes a habit because the body begins to crave the liquid. Body cells get used to the alcohol and soon demand more and more. The person looses the good sense given by God and life becomes a nightmare for the individual’s family and friends.

God is left out of the person’s life and self-destruction will soon take place. God promises that these people will soon be cut down just as the grass is cut. Do you know what happens to grass after it is cut down with a mower? That is right, it dies.

These people will not last. They, too, will wither like the grass. There is no love, joy, happiness, kindness or self-respect left in the individual. Life had drastically changed and it is obvious to family and friends.

When we fret and get upset about what other people have or the upper-class life style they seem to have, we need not fret or be envious of them because we know they are heading for a downfall. They will lose these earthly possessions. The worldly things a person receives or accumulates might last their lifetime, but the things we get from Almighty God will last for eternity.