Don't Fret
Charles E. Cowman emphasizes the futility of worrying and the importance of trusting in God's provision to find peace and rest.
Charles E. Cowman preaches on the importance of not giving in to anxiety, emphasizing that worry only weakens and hinders us from doing God's will. He highlights the command from Jesus to not be anxious about daily needs, as worry spoils lives that could otherwise be useful and beautiful. Cowman encourages believers to trust in God's faithfulness and to find peace in Him, knowing that He will defend and deliver His own. He urges souls to return to rest in the Lord Jesus, embracing His peace that surpasses all understanding.
Text
"Do not begin to be anxious" (Phil. 4:6, PBV).
Not a few Christians live in a state of unbroken anxiety, and others fret and fume terribly. To be perfectly at peace amid the hurly-burly of daily life is a secret worth knowing. What is the use of worrying? It never made anybody strong; never helped anybody to do God's will; never made a way of escape for anyone out of perplexity. Worry spoils lives which would otherwise be useful and beautiful. Restlessness, anxiety, and care are absolutely forbidden by our Lord, who said: "Take no thought," that is, no anxious thought, "saying what shall we eat, or what shall we drink, or wherewithal shall we be clothed?" He does not mean that we are not to take forethought and that our life is to be without plan or method; but that we are not to worry about these things. People know you live in the realm of anxious care by the lines on your face, the tones of your voice, the minor key in your life, and the lack of joy in your spirit. Scale the heights of a life abandoned to God, then you will look down on the clouds beneath your feet. --Rev. Darlow Sargeant
It is always weakness to be fretting and worrying, questioning and mistrusting. Can we gain anything by it? Do we not unfit ourselves for action, and unhinge our minds for wise decision? We are sinking by our struggles when we might float by faith.
Oh, for grace to be quiet! Oh, to be still and know that Jehovah is God! The Holy One of Israel must defend and deliver His own. We may be sure that every word of His will stand, though the mountains should depart. He deserves to be confided in. Come, my soul, return unto thy rest, and lean thy head upon the bosom of the Lord Jesus. --Selected
"Peace thy inmost soul shall fill
Lying still!"
Sermon Outline
- The Problem of Anxiety
- The Command to Rest
- The Benefits of Rest
- Abandoning ourselves to God
- Faith over fear and doubt
Key Quotes
“What is the use of worrying? It never made anybody strong; never helped anybody to do God's will; never made a way of escape for anyone out of perplexity.” — Charles E. Cowman
“We are sinking by our struggles when we might float by faith.” — Charles E. Cowman
“Peace thy inmost soul shall fill Lying still!” — Charles E. Cowman
Application Points
- We should not let anxiety and worry control our lives, but instead trust in God's provision.
- Abandoning ourselves to God can bring peace and rest in the midst of life's challenges.
- Faith over fear and doubt is the key to living a life of peace and confidence.