Sabbath Thought – Do Not Fret

Winter is not my favorite season with the gray skies, short days and the many months of cold. I am not alone in this dislike, and there can even be a physical, negative reaction to the lack of daylight. It is known as Seasonal Affective Disorder. The cure is more exposure to daylight in the form of full-spectrum light bulbs (I have some of these in my desk lamps!).

These gray and short days can also lead us to dwell on negative things in life. Concerns of life like: some church matters; sad world and national news events; and personal dislikes that can help us be edgy, frustrated and a little down.

What are we to do? We can rant to our spouse or friends, but they usually can’t change what we might be troubled about. God’s Word is a better source of encouragement and help. Psalm 37 is one such section of Scripture to help us keep everything in perspective. Here are some “take-aways” from that chapter to give some encouragement as we come into the blessing of God’s Sabbath.

Psalm 37 is an encouragement from King David to remember our heritage (and hence our future) and what will ultimately happen to those who oppose God’s way of life. David begins in verse 1 by simply saying “Do not fret.” This is easy to say and hard to do, isn’t it? This means letting go of our worries, and more to the point that we are trusting in God (verse 3) to resolve things properly. No matter how frustrating it can be to see someone succeed in wrongdoing, David reminds us not to be envious (verse 1).

What is the desire of my heart (verse 4)? It is too easy to think of petty or temporary things in life – but everything in my life should reflect God’s desire for me to be in His family. We keep coming back to everything being wrapped up in trusting God (verse 5) and He will bring the right things to pass. “Rest in Him” (verse 6) daily, but especially on His Sabbath because if we don’t this world will grind us down. Don’t let the world’s anger and wrath rub off on us (verse 8) because it will only bring harm. What God is looking for is meekness (verse 11) because He can work with that and because a meek person is at peace.

No matter how much we stumble or fall, if we stay focused on and stay true to Him we will not remain down because God will hold us up (verse 24) and will not forsake us (verse 25). The wicked will reap their reward (see verses all throughout this chapter) – sometimes quickly but sometimes not for years – but we (His called-out ones) are to wait on Him (verse 34) so He can exalt us and give us His land (His Kingdom). Salvation comes only from God (verse 39) and we will be saved – if we trust in Him (verse 40).

I would encourage you to read this chapter more in the coming week. One of the greatest blessings God has given to us is His Sabbath so that we at least have one day out of seven to pause and catch our breath – and to be reminded how much God truly cares for those who walk in His way of life.

Enjoy God’s Sabbath,

Dan Dowd

10 January, 2026