Fret Not Over Evil-Doers
The sermon urges listeners to remain calm and composed in difficult circumstances, trusting in God's love and help to guide them.
Charles E. Cowman preaches on the importance of not fretting, even in the face of injustice and prosperity of the wicked. Fretfulness only leads to unnecessary friction and heat, hindering the smooth working of life. He emphasizes the need for the anointing oil of God's grace to keep us cool and prevent dangerous conditions caused by heat and friction. Through trust, love, hope, and rest in God's power, we can find peace and strength, and ultimately, faith.
Text
"Fret not thyself" (Ps. 37:1).
Do not get into a perilous heat about things. If ever heat were justified, it was surely justified in the circumstances outlined in the Psalm. Evil-doers were moving about clothed in purple and fine linen, and faring sumptuously every day. "Workers of iniquity" were climbing into the supreme places of power, and were tyrannizing their less fortunate brethren. Sinful men and women were stalking through the land in the pride of life and basking in the light and comfort of great prosperity, and good men were becoming heated and fretful.
"Fret not thyself." Do not get unduly heated! Keep cool! Even in a good cause, fretfulness is not a wise help-meet. Fretting only heats the bearings; it does not generate the steam. It is no help to a train for the axles to get hot; their heat is only a hindrance. When the axles get heated, it is because of unnecessary friction; dry surfaces are grinding together, which ought to be kept in smooth co-operation by a delicate cushion of oil.
And is it not a suggestive fact that this word "fret" is closely akin to the word "friction," and is an indication of absence of the anointing oil of the grace of God?
In fretfulness, a little bit of grit gets into the bearings--some slight disappointment, some ingratitude, some discourtesy--and the smooth working of the life is checked. Friction begets heat; and with the heat, most dangerous conditions are created.
Do not let thy bearings get hot. Let the oil of the Lord keep thee cool, lest by reason of an unholy heat thou be reckoned among the evil-doers. --The Silver Lining
Dear restless heart, be still; don't fret and worry so;
God has a thousand ways His love and help to show;
Just trust, and trust, and trust, until His will you know.
Dear restless heart, be still, for peace is God's own smile,
His love can every wrong and sorrow reconcile;
Just love, and love, and love, and calmly wait awhile.
Dear restless heart, be brave; don't moan and sorrow so,
He hath a meaning kind in chilly winds that blow;
Just hope, and hope, and hope, until you braver grow.
Dear restless heart, repose upon His breast this hour,
His grace is strength and life, His love is bloom and flower;
Just rest, and rest, and rest, within His tender power.
Dear restless heart, be still! Don't struggle to be free;
God's life is in your life, from Him you may not flee;
Just pray, and pray, and pray, till you have faith to see.
--Edith Willis Linn
Sermon Outline
- The Dangers of Fretfulness
- Fretfulness is a hindrance to progress
- Fretfulness leads to friction and heat
- Fretfulness can be a sign of absence of God's grace
Key Quotes
“Fret not thyself.” — Charles E. Cowman
“Do not let thy bearings get hot. Let the oil of the Lord keep thee cool, lest by reason of an unholy heat thou be reckoned among the evil-doers.” — Charles E. Cowman
“Dear restless heart, be still; don't fret and worry so; God has a thousand ways His love and help to show;” — Charles E. Cowman
Application Points
- When faced with difficult circumstances, take a deep breath and remain calm, trusting in God's love and help.
- Fretfulness can be a sign of absence of God's anointing oil; seek to cultivate a sense of peace and calm in your life.
- Trust in God's love and help, and rest in His tender power, even in the midst of turmoil.