October 13, 2021

The etymology of the word “fret” is telling. To fret is to perseverate about an issue – you just can’t let it go. But our word “fret” comes from the Old English “fretan”, which means to “devour, feed upon, or consume.” Makes sense – worry can eat you up.

Here is what the Bread of Life (fretting’s antithesis) says.

“Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?”  (Luke 12: 22-26)

Do not worry about your life. Wow!

“O God of peace, who hast taught us that in returning and rest we shall be saved, in quietness and in confidence shall be our strength: By the might of thy Spirit lift us, we pray thee, to thy presences, where we may be still and know that thou art God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” (For Quiet Confidence – BCP p. 832)