Fret Not Thyself in Any Wise
The sermon emphasizes the importance of trusting God completely and resting in His sovereignty, rather than interfering with His work or fretting over the prospering of others.
A.B. Simpson emphasizes the importance of trusting God and refraining from presumptuous actions that can lead to negative consequences, as illustrated by the tragic incident involving the ark of God. He encourages believers to rest in the Lord and wait patiently, reminding them that God's timing and methods are superior to human efforts. Simpson highlights that true faith often involves letting go and allowing God to work in His own way, rather than striving restlessly to control situations. The sermon reassures that even when circumstances appear dire, God is aware and will act at the right moment if we fully trust Him.
Text
A life was lost in Israel because a pair of human hands were laid unbidden upon the ark of God. They were placed upon it with the best intent to steady the ark as the oxen drew the cart carrying it along the rough way. But they touched God's work presumptuously, and they fell paralyzed and lifeless. Much of the life of faith consists in letting things alone. If we wholly trust an interest to God we can keep our hands off it, and He will guard it for us better than we can help Him.
Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass (Psalm 37:7).
Things may seem to be going all wrong, but He knows better than we, and He will arise in the right moment if we are really trusting Him completely enough to let Him work in His own way and time. There is nothing so effective as inactivity in some things, and there is nothing so damaging as restless working, for God has undertaken to work His sovereign will.
Sermon Outline
- The Dangers of Interfering with God's Work
- The Benefits of Inactivity in Faith
- The Importance of Resting in the Lord
- Waiting patiently for God's timing
- Fretting not over the prospering of others
Key Quotes
“Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass (Psalm 37:7).” — A.B. Simpson
Application Points
- We should trust God completely and let Him work His will, rather than trying to control or manipulate circumstances.
- Rest and patience are essential in the life of faith, allowing God to arise in the right moment to work His sovereign will.
- We should not fret or be envious of others' success, but rather rest in the Lord and wait patiently for His timing.